On January 22 at
Shortly after my arrival, a patron asked for assistance with a computer he was using that had shut down. The librarian asked to patron for his library card, to ensure that he was the one initially using the computer. I found it interesting that patrons can simply scan their library cards to sign up for a computer for an allotted amount of time. If they need an extension, they simply need to revisit the desk or request one of the rooms with a computer, rather than a cubicle. The librarian assisted the patron in scanning his card again so that he could continue to use the computer.
During the down time, which was minimal, the librarians continued with paperwork and shelving books. They made sure that someone was at the desk if one of them left. During this time, I noticed that many of the patrons were school age children who were there with parents. The children did not approach the reference desk, but parents occasionally would. I wondered if the reference desk was intimidating to the children, or if their parents felt they had a better grasp on the questions to ask. There were also several older couples and retirees making use of their afternoon in the library.
The librarian assisted several patrons throughout the afternoon in printing materials they had found helpful. The charge per page seemed to be a standard ten cent fee. In between helping patrons with printing documents, the librarian looked up online the guidelines for the local spelling bee. Does the library help to sponsor the bee? I have never noticed representatives from the public library actually at the bee, so the search piqued my curiosity.
Later during my observation, the librarian explained to the patron how to make a CD using the computer, but did not offer to go to the computer to instruct the patron one-on-one. However, the librarian did say to come back to the desk if the patron had any trouble. Another patron approached the desk to inquire about biographies on a certain artist. The librarian assisted the patron in searching the catalog and also inquired what other sources the patron had already found. As the patron continued to converse with the librarian, she stated that this was for a school project for her child. The librarian found one source at the Watauga County Public Library, but also referred the patron to ASU’s Belk Library.
The main desk sent a phone call to the reference desk regarding professional development opportunities. The librarian discussed the options with the person on the other end of the line and wrote down a few things. Then he discussed the opportunities with the other person working at the desk. While the librarian was on the phone, a patron waited to be helped. The gentleman asked for an extension on his computer time, which the librarian granted, and the gentleman returned a few minutes later to thank him for his help. This patron later returned to ask for assistance on the computer, and the librarian left the desk to help him, making sure that someone was at the desk when he left.
A patron then called the reference desk and inquired about a source. The librarian searched the catalog for the resource, but found that the book was checked out and the patron opted not to have it held when it was returned.
Later, another phone call from a patron was fielded, this time concerning tax forms. The librarian asked the patron if he was at a computer and directed him to the IRS website. The patron was talked through how to search the menus for the form he was looking for. The librarian asked for clarification on the form number and letters and continued to search with the patron. The patron was asked to call back if he needed any further assistance.
Throughout this observation, I noticed several patrons who seemed to be regular visitors make use of the computers for various tasks, from email to word processing to internet searches. I was also struck by the variety of in the demographics of the patrons, from school age students to retirees. I had also never noticed the amount of time librarians spend on the phone helping patrons, I suppose because I tend to want to physically go to the library as a patron and look through the materials myself.
On January 25 at
The first patron to approach the desk was an older gentleman who asked for assistance printing a document. The librarian gladly helped him and charged him the appropriate fee for printing his pages. While the librarian was doing this, another patron waved to the librarians at the desk, obviously a regular visitor.
Another gentleman later approached the desk and inquired about the address for Legal Aid of North Carolina. The librarian looked up the information online and wrote it on a card for the gentleman. He asked if the patron would like the phone number as well, but the patron declined. After this patron left, another patron came requesting tax forms and was directed to the row of tax forms along one shelf. The patron was asked to return to the desk if she needed further assistance.
A patron requested a reservation for the use of a computer, and the librarian asked if he had a preference. The patron said that he’d like to use computer number nine. When this patron left, the librarian checked the library email and replied to a few patrons via email. During this time, another patron reserved a computer by using her library card and the scanner. Yet another patron approached the desk requesting the use of computer number fourteen, which he had reserved the previous day. The librarian showed him to the computer.
During the lull, the librarian cleaned the computers at the reference desk and shelved some books. A patron waited for the librarian to return from shelving books, but left the desk before the librarian returned.
A disabled patron (autistic perhaps) approached the desk, visibly upset because he had lost his wallet. The librarian tried to calm him, and then his caretaker came and helped him find his wallet. The librarian assured him that if he saw it, he would let him know.
Another patron requested help in finding books by Ann Graham Lotz. The librarian explored the catalog, while telling the patron what he was doing. He explained that there were some in
The reference librarians discussed schedules with the children’s library desk assistant. An older gentleman asked how to put in a request for a book not in the collection and the librarian explained the request sheet and that it was located at the main circulation desk.
The librarian and assistant discussed cleaning the computers (defragging, etc.) and the possible purchase of new computers for the reference desk. They discussed that this would mean using Windows Vista as an operating system, rather than what they currently use. Then the librarian announced that the library would be closing in 30 minutes, and requested that patrons using computers log off in fifteen minutes in preparation for closing. I found this quite interesting, as I did not realize that there was an intercom system in the library. Another patron approached the desk to reserve a computer and was told that he would only have a few minutes. He said that he had heard the announcement, but thanked the librarian for the reminder.
The librarian walked to the main desk and returned to the reference area with a cart for reshelving books. He went about tidying the computer cubicle and straightening the headphones, mouse, and other equipment. When the librarian returned to the desk, he discussed closing procedures with the assistant. They went about those, one of the most interesting being that they were able to shut all of the computers down from the main computer at the reference desk. The librarian also returned the cash box to the main desk, which had the money that was collected throughout the day from patrons paying to print documents. I found the closing procedures quite interesting, as I’d never closely observed them before. The librarian performed these duties while assisting patrons as they came to the desk.
Overall, I felt like the librarian served patrons well and helped them learn how to search out information, rather than just handing them answers.
No comments:
Post a Comment