Va-Roots has never entertained commercial postings. Occasionally one has got through because Va-Roots operates without censors. Every message goes directly to every subscriber, including the messages that incurteously repeat previous messages. We are not going to change that rule and risk getting flooded with extraneous commercial messages. There are venues for posting announcements about commercial services. There is certainly nothing wrong with posting a request on Va-Roots for suggestions about research assistance; but I recommend that replies to such messages and discussions of such assistance be conducted off-line to protect the confidentiality of all such business relationships. The staff of the Library of Virginia does not do research for patrons. All patrons do their own work. There is a procedure, outlined on the Library's web site, by which persons at a distance can order photocopies of specific texts, but they have to describe clearly what they need, and there is a fee for performing the service. The Library is too short-staffed and too short of money to do it any other way. Back to roots. . . . Brent Tarter The Library of Virginia [log in to unmask] Visit the Library of Virginia's web site at http://www.lva.lib.va.us To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe please see the instructions at http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-roots.html