Tips for the New Librarian
One of the books that is mouldering around on my C drive is a guide for new librarians. Here is one of the chapters (updated a bit):
Congratulations, you have your first professional position. Everything is new now and a blank slate, unless you have worked in the library before as a paraprofessional. Even then it is different because now you are in a leadership position. You are enthusiastic and should know all the new techniques and fads in the profession. Reading blogs is a good way to do this. You should know all about flikr, podcasts, and all of your library’s databases. Your co-workers may think a Black Berry is a purplish fruit but you will be relied upon to be up on the latest technology and fads. Podcasting story hours, for example, is big right now. After a couple of weeks in the job you can take the quiz to see how you are doing in your new chosen field.
1) Who on the staff sells beauty products?
2) Who is the library gossip(s)?
3) What is the marital status of your co-workers?
4) What three staff members have special privileges?
5) Who calls in sick a lot?
6) How long are morning coffee breaks?
7) At what time do you really have to come in every the morning? (It is always a good idea to look like you’ve been there awhile when your supervisor walks through the door).
8) What is the best place to go for lunch near the library?
9) Who do you have to look busy around?
10) How do you do a keyword search on the OPAC?
11) What is the actual turn around time for new books from the original order to when they turn up on the shelves?
12) In what part of the collection does your library deviate from standard book locations?
13) Who is the staff member who will help you the most?
14) What library organization do you have to become active in?
15) Can you use your cell phone during the day?
16) How do you add toner to the computer printer?
17) How do you fix paper jams in the copying machines?
18) What patrons do the other staff members avoid?
19) What staff members do the other staff members avoid?
20) What is the closest to the in crowd in the Library staff?
If you know the answers to these questions you are on your way to being a successful librarian.
Librarian action figure from Archie McPhee :
Congratulations, you have your first professional position. Everything is new now and a blank slate, unless you have worked in the library before as a paraprofessional. Even then it is different because now you are in a leadership position. You are enthusiastic and should know all the new techniques and fads in the profession. Reading blogs is a good way to do this. You should know all about flikr, podcasts, and all of your library’s databases. Your co-workers may think a Black Berry is a purplish fruit but you will be relied upon to be up on the latest technology and fads. Podcasting story hours, for example, is big right now. After a couple of weeks in the job you can take the quiz to see how you are doing in your new chosen field.
1) Who on the staff sells beauty products?
2) Who is the library gossip(s)?
3) What is the marital status of your co-workers?
4) What three staff members have special privileges?
5) Who calls in sick a lot?
6) How long are morning coffee breaks?
7) At what time do you really have to come in every the morning? (It is always a good idea to look like you’ve been there awhile when your supervisor walks through the door).
8) What is the best place to go for lunch near the library?
9) Who do you have to look busy around?
10) How do you do a keyword search on the OPAC?
11) What is the actual turn around time for new books from the original order to when they turn up on the shelves?
12) In what part of the collection does your library deviate from standard book locations?
13) Who is the staff member who will help you the most?
14) What library organization do you have to become active in?
15) Can you use your cell phone during the day?
16) How do you add toner to the computer printer?
17) How do you fix paper jams in the copying machines?
18) What patrons do the other staff members avoid?
19) What staff members do the other staff members avoid?
20) What is the closest to the in crowd in the Library staff?
If you know the answers to these questions you are on your way to being a successful librarian.
Librarian action figure from Archie McPhee :
posted by Mister Mustache | 9:44 AM
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