There are many misconceptions about librarians and the work that goes on in libraries. People often only see us issuing or shelving books and aren’t aware of much beyond this. For this my final column of the year I thought I’d try to describe a typical day (a Wednesday) in the library to give a better idea of what does go on behind the scenes.
Several staff members start work early (well it seems early to me) and set about the task of readying the library. This includes logging on computers and opening the necessary programmes, setting up the tills, generating timecodes for the ecentre, and picking up the books that have come through the returns slot overnight. When I eventually swan in at about 8:30 much of the work has been done but on Wednesdays it is my job to generate the notices that advise borrowers if they have overdue or reserved books. We also produce reports that outline the previous day’s activities which are reconciled with the previous day’s takings and the next day’s float prepared.
On Wednesdays the library does not open until 10:00am allowing staff to do things that are difficult when members of the public are in the building such as putting up or taking down displays and rearranging shelving. We also generally have a staff meeting on Wednesdays where we discuss operational matters, policies and procedures. We do have a brief staff meeting most mornings but the Wednesday meetings allow us to discuss matters in more depth.
There is often a small crowd waiting when we do open, many of whom head straight for the eCentre. We also start seeing a build-up of young children and their caregivers who have come for the Story-Go-Round Preschool programme. Generally two members of staff run the sessions but occasionally others are roped in to lend a hand. Of course these things don’t just happen spontaneously – as with many library activities there is a great deal of forward planning for the preschool programme including selecting a theme, coming up with an appropriate craft activity, locating the necessary resources and selecting related stories and songs.
Technology now plays a huge part in a librarian’s day. Almost inevitably each day will bring some sort of technological issue, the simplest being resolved with reconnecting a cord at one of the e-centre computers, the worst requiring a total shut down and reboot of the server, fortunately not too frequent. Each Wednesday a contracted technician visits the library to deal with IT problems we haven’t been able to sort out, but for the most part we’re on our own which has resulted in a lot of on-the job learning.
All through the day there are the ongoing jobs of issuing, returning and shelving books. The Library has been experiencing steady growth in the number of issues over the last few months so all these activities have become increasingly busy. None of this however can go on without the ordering, receiving, repairing, cataloguing and processing of the books, magazines, DVDs and CDs which is done behind the scenes. All members of staff have responsibility for at least one of these functions and it goes on pretty much every day from opening to closing.
While many borrowers simply want their books issued when they come up to the desk, a great many want some information assistance. This can range from recommendations for new books or authors, to help with finding information on an infinite range of subjects. Increasingly we are asked for assistance with Information Technology issues such as setting up email accounts or downloading photos. These questions can be difficult but also very satisfying to resolve and while librarians do need to love books and information, it is dealing with people that makes the job so rewarding.
On Wednesday the library closes at 5:30 and from about 5:15 we begin the process of closing up. In many ways this is the reverse of the morning procedures - shutting down computers, making sure all the books have been returned, and ensuring that the place is generally tidy. Once the last of our customers have left the building we can lock the doors and do the final close down. Some members of staff might stay on a bit later to get jobs done while the rest of us make our way home and get ready to do it all over again the next day.
It is difficult to describe a normal day in the library as it is very rare that one day will be the same as another. I will probably also have missed some of the many jobs done by my colleagues (which they will no doubt remind me of in no uncertain terms). There are always new challenges to be faced, from rejigging the roster because a staff member is away to managing the introduction of a new service for our borrowers. If much of this work is unseen by the public that probably suggests we are doing a good job in providing a seamless service. You will perhaps understand however why we are inclined to roll our eyes when people suggest that all we need to do is stamp books and say shush occasionally.
Jon Adams
Community Outreach Librarian
Masterton District Library
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