LM_NET: Library Media Networking
On Tue, 1 Aug 2000, Michele Missner wrote:
> The fact that students and staff find your LMC a warm and inviting place,
> I am sure has as much to do with you and your staff making them feel
> welcome. A place can look inviting but the people in it can make it very
> hostile evironment. Michele
This is quite true. I used to have a friend who was a
librarian in a public library -- a beautiful new library with
comfortable chairs :) I'd go visit even tho it wasn't *my*
public library. But the head librarian was such a snooty
old hoot that I often commented when leaving that if that
library were a restaurant or grocery store or what have you,
they'd be out of business. Not only was she rude to the
*customers* she ruled the employees with an iron fist.
Then she retired. IT was as if a cloak of darkness had
been lifted. Employees were empowered and invited to be
responsible for their own areas. The children's librarian,
for example, was able finally to do the selecting and
planning for the children's department. Patrons were
greeted with a smile. It was just an altogether different
place.
I tell my aides and student assistants that working in
the library is a little like working for Wal-Mart. We
should smile and acknowledge patrons when they enter. We
should let them know we're available to help -- but not
hover or snoop. We should say thank you. Just the common
courtesies (sp? that doesn't look right) of good customer
service. And it doesn't cost a cent.
Not all who wander are lost...
J. Rathbun, Librarian
Lincoln Elementary School - Las Vegas, Nevada
jrathbun@orednet.org [home]
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