[LM_NET] Visiting libraries-- Help another Lm_net librarian in person

[Daniel Stuhlman <ddstuhlman@EARTHLINK.NET>]

A few weeks ago a school librarian in Brooklyn asked lm_net members 
for advice on encouraging students to use the library.  I wrote her 
some thoughts.  I said that I was going to Brooklyn for a Jan 3 
wedding and perhaps I could visit the library.  I like to visit 
libraries when I go traveling and this was the first school library 
in Brooklyn that I ever visited.  I was staying a short walk away and 
I was able to spare 45 minutes to visit on Monday (January 4).

This was just a visit.  I don't want to mention the name because they 
did not pay for a consultation.   I do consulting and for a 
consulting job I would spend 6 or more hours meeting with the 
librarian, teachers and others connected to the school and I would 
write detailed reports. This library needs major physical 
improvements including a new paint job, new carpeting, and new 
shelves.  They have only one computer for student use.

The librarian reported that as result of my visit she is getting a 
new computer.  She learned some things about the student population 
from the principal that she did not know and this will have a big 
effect on the types of programs she offers and the new materials she purchases.

I suggest that if you do visit a city, take a few minutes to visit 
another lm_net member.  School librarians are frequently lone voices 
in the school.  Give some words of support and encouragement to 
another school librarian.

I visited a branch of Brooklyn Public Library.  I observed a 
reference librarian give help to several patrons.  The librarian gave 
answers, but I'm not sure the answers were what the patrons needed or 
wanted. The librarian did nothing to teach the patron how to do a 
search on their own next time.  I always let the patron see the 
screen and tell them how to do searches. I end with a question such 
as, "Does that help? If you can't find the book come back and we'll 
help you locate it." I certainly hope that I teach my students how to 
do better reference interviews.  I left a comment on the BPL comment web page.

I will be writing about more details in my blog.


Daniel Stuhlman
Chicago, IL
ddstuhlman at earthlink.net

Blog:  http://kol-safran.blogspot.com/

--------------------------------------------------------------------
Please note: All LM_NET postings are protected by copyright law.
  You can prevent most e-mail filters from deleting LM_NET postings
  by adding LM_NET@LISTSERV.SYR.EDU to your e-mail address book.
To change your LM_NET status, you send a message to: listserv@listserv.syr.edu
In the message write EITHER:
1) SIGNOFF LM_NET
2) SET LM_NET NOMAIL
3) SET LM_NET MAIL
4) SET LM_NET DIGEST

 * LM_NET Help & Information: http://lmnet.wordpress.com/
 * LM_NET Archive: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/archive/
 * EL-Announce with LM_NET Select: http://lm-net.info/join.html
 * LM_NET Supporters: http://lmnet.wordpress.com/category/links/el-announce/

--------------------------------------------------------------------