Even batgirl was a librarian
On Monday and Tuesday I started a list of 20 things librarians wish patrons knew (or did) before visiting the library. Librarians love their patrons. Many librarians even have their favorites, those who make an extra effort to be kind when asking for help. I'll admit I've had a few favorites in my years of library service (I just won't disclose who because it wouldn't be fair). The items on today's list were supplied by librarians in Boston and Indianapolis.
10. Let your librarian know what materials you'd like to see on the shelf. Librarians feed off patron recommendations. We really try to buy what you like to read, watch, and listen to. If you find that we don't have a particular title you need, don't be shy about asking us to purchase it. We don't always buy everything patrons to ask, but we do tend to buy most. If we can't buy it, we'll find you another copy or request it from Inter-Library Loan (ILL) from another library.
9. Practice good hygiene. We're not asking you to put on a full face of makeup or bathe yourself in cologne (in fact it's probably better if you don't do the latter). Winter is cold and flu season. If you are sick, please try to sneeze away from the computer or reference desk. And please wash your hands!
8. Please listen to us the first (or even second) time we say something. This goes for when we answer a reference question or ask you to lower your voice. No one likes to listen to a broken record.
7. If possible, check out all materials at once from the circulation desk. This ties up the library assistant's and circulation clerk's time. It help avoids a backup at the circulation desk, especially during busy times or when the desk is short staffed. Be mindful of your time at the self checkout station as well.
6. Tell us what you like This goes for item #10, but also for items we've already bought for the library. If you like the video games or the new mystery books, or a particular program, tell us so that we can keep doing it. If you don't like something, tell us that too. It's the only way we can make changes. If the library has a comment card, please fill it out!
Stay tuned for tomorrow for part 4, the final installment. In case you missed them, here are part 1 or part 2.
Comments
Thanks very much for this article. I have so much respect for librarians, especially for those working in the Washington, DC Public Library System where some branches are quite dangerous. I spent a LOT of time at the main library while I was getting my MFA in Writing and Literature. The specialists were so very helpful. I sent notes of thanks, and contributions in honor of two librarians -- never enough. Thanks.
Point #7 is an excellent suggestion! We don't need to suffer someone else's ADD.
Thank you.
By the way, librarians are great with finding sources for your homework; but please don't ask them to do your homework for you. Thank you librarians!
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