Program Description: This Blitz Session presentation will highlight the State of Arizona Research Library’s enhanced service to provide access to city directories while many libraries have restricted access due to the pandemic. City directories are the highest-use item in the Arizona Collection and have numerous uses from environmental site assessments, obtaining a Certificate of Occupancy, genealogical research, or simply the curiosity of local residents.

Demand for city directory access has not slowed during the pandemic, and to prioritize the safety of our patrons and staff, we chose to designate staff to complete directory research on the patron’s behalf. This has led to a steady stream of requests each week and many hours of research. Additionally, an ongoing scanning partnership with FamilySearch International has led to greater online access through the Arizona Memory Project. Months into the new normal, historical information on Arizona cities and towns continues to be important to our community.

Bio: Paloma Phelps is the Arizona Collection Librarian for the State of Arizona Research Library.