Re: Gen: Libraries=Bookstores?

[Charlotte Snyder <csnyder@MAIL.BCPL.LIB.MD.US>]

Hear, hear, Lisa! You said everything that I was struggling to find words
for! I also work in a public library, and even though the clericals are
not supposed to answer questions, they do it all the time. When I hear a
patron asking a high schooler where the books on Ralph Ellison are, I see
red, because that clerical _will_ answer the question and send the patron
to biographies, and then the patron wastes much time looking for criticism
before finally coming to the information desk to get the proper answer and
much guidance to exactly what she or he needs. Libraries are not
bookstores. If I had a nickel for every time I failed to find a book that
is supposed to be on the shelf, according to the OPAC, but is unlocatable
because it is on display in some remote corner, I could quit one of these
jobs. We have different functions, and one of the public library's
functions is to serve all the public, not just those who want something
new and trendy. Whew! That's all for now.
Charlotte

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* Charlotte Snyder, Librarian         *
* The Waldorf School of Baltimore     *
* and Baltimore County Public Library *
* csnyder@mail.bcpl.lib.md.us         *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

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