I read with interest your front page story monday that the Iberia Parish Library system has purchased the rights to use language training software at the local libraries. 

After thinking about it for several minutes I became confused on the ability of the of the library governors to make good decisions.

Several weeks ago I went to the library to use Ancestry.com, which I have been using at the library regularly for many years. The screen told me that due to financial reasons,  the genealogy software would no longer be available effective immediately.

Advertisement

The role of purchasing language software is a great idea. However, it should be done by the school systems. Language training requires on-hand, human support. Are we adding heads to support our children. Thanks to the great decision making at the library, I now have to drive to Port Arthur, Texas, to do my research ...  A cost of $25 or more to me.

It is a safe bet that no one in management in the parish library system. does genealogy.  Is it that they need the language training themselves?

I will be monitoring at the libraries to see how many / few people are using this language software.

Joe Filipowicz

New Iberia