Practical Librarian Melts Down!

With the departure of my co-worker to greener pastures, I have been saddled with some duties and paperwork. This isn't all bad, I like new stuff and projects! However, since I work in a library with no off-desk time, getting this stuff done has been a huge problem for me in the last few weeks. (It also didn't help that Holly made it look easy!) Throw into the mix training a new person, jury service that never ended (or so it seemed!) and my extra job at a small college, I was a ticking time bomb of stress! (The dam broke when someone asked me what was wrong and I ended up answering this question in great detail for over an hour! Pro tip: don't ask a question if you don't want the answer!)

Now that jury service has concluded and I am more sane (a couple of days off helped!) I had a few revelations about change and time management.

Assume a worst case scenario for planning purposes. My mistake was in assuming I wouldn't actually go into a trial (court said 80% are settled and I probably wouldn't have to serve) and wouldn't need any help. WRONG!

Detail work needs uninterrupted time, especially if you are new at this task! Find time where no phones or people bother you so you can learn a task. Stick to the task you are learning-- not other chores that have been bugging you!

Never ever underestimate the impact of even minor changes in schedules or staffing to your sanity and routine! Holly's departure dramatically changed my schedule and my work routine! I underestimated that even changes that we have prepared and planned can throw us a curve. I couldn't just go on autopilot in many situations.

Embrace folders, sticky notes, calendars and chocolate. Take breaks and remember to breathe!

The point is this: Even though to the outside world nothing is really different and you are at the same job, things in fact ARE different. Treat as such. Allow extra time in your schedule. Say NO to "extras" until you get a routine down pat. (This is for my friends that always volunteer to bake something, make phone calls or organize a school function!)

Regardless of managers, directors and the like, I know that my priority is customer service and if I can keep my head on that fact, I should be fine.

Mary

Bibliographic Instruction: Less is More!

One of the things that bothers me about some library instruction is that it can be boring and since the student can't see the need yet, they tend to lose interest quickly. This process can be exacerbated by well meaning librarians that try and make a course or material "be" all things to all people. Students, newbie computer users and even someone just browsing the library can get caught up in tidal wave of instruction, handouts, maps and tours. What starts out as simple book question can quickly mutate into a catalog lessons and instruction on the Dewey Decimal System with a patron half way to a degree in library science!


Even for academic patrons where there is a real mission to help students understand serious research and library materials. How deep should this discussion initially be when students don't even understand what they are "in for"? Many librarians want to discuss how we should be teaching subtle differences in databases, searching techniques and Boolean operators. Of course librarians think these topics are interesting! Average student has lost interest after about 5 seconds. They just want an article or a book and to be done.


In both one-on-one settings, as well as formal classroom instruction think about what the student THINKS they need and lead them to more ask more questions. When a student asks how to find an article, show them how to find an article. Lead them toward better answers by NOT overwhelming them with so much information or ways to "perfect" a search. Just give the "easy" answer and gently coach them to continue to include the librarian in the search for more and better information.


Keep it simple and easy. The overall message should always be the library, and the librarians, are here to help. Think in terms of FAQ when designing instruction and try to keep answers to the absolute basics until the student has invited you for more! Here are some questions to use as guides when designing instruction. Try and break your answer down to simple steps and answer in under 5 minutes:
How do I find an article in the databases?
How do I know if an article is considered "scholarly" ?
How do I attach a resume to my email?
If you think in small FAQ style questions and just stick to answering the questions with an attitude of come back when you need more, the instruction will be more likely to stick and patrons will always be grateful for the help. Remember, less is more!