Numbers

When one thinks of libraries, one thinks of books. Despite the ebook revolution, this is still mostly true. However, libraries are also about numbers. the Count from Sesame Street would feel right at home in many libraries. On my desk, I have several sheets of paper. One records reference questions. Another records books that are shelved. I have counts for book donations, books checked out, books added to the collection. The list goes on and on. Most people who visit our library do not give a hoot about these numbers, but they are crucial to the operation of the library. It is often by these numbers that we promote ourselves to our library's chief decision makers. It is also by these numbers that we are able to measure our success. We still have books, journals, databases, chairs and tables, but we also have a lot of numbers. Time to shelve books again. "One, ha, ha, ha. Two, ha, ha, ha..."

You want to know what?

As a reference librarian we sometimes get rather odd questions.  I remember one particular case when I was working at a library at an art school.  a student approached the circulation desk and asked me who painted the Mona Lisa.  I was a little surprised that this art student did not know this.  Trying to hide my shock, I answered "Leonardo DaVincci."  The student then asked, "Is he still painting?"

I always try to think the best of all my patrons, so it is important not to let elitist sensibilities intrude on these moments.  In hindsight, it was possible that the patron asking the question mentioned above was a freshman from a background that afforded little access to art.

Working at a reference desk, a person never knows what he or she may be asked.  A librarian must be ready at all times to answer any question with grace, protecting the dignity of the patron.  At times that means that, in a graceful way, we redirect the questions or the patrons themselves.  I remember another time at the same art college when someone wanted me to appraise a print.  Since it was a phone reference encounter, I did not see the print, but I was pretty sure that the artist in question did not produce prints.  Still, I kindly informed her that we do not appraise arts of work and referred her to a gallery.  No matter what the question, the librarian must be he epitome of hospitality and helpfulness.

Calling All Professionals

One of my former library directors once said that librarianship is not a job; it is a profession.  What makes a professional?  What makes something rise above the mere label of "job?"  Perhaps it is the advanced education that we pursue.  Perhaps it is the skills that we have honed through our preparation.  Perhaps it is the body of knowledge that we have mastered.  Perhaps,it is an understanding of practices that we know how to use. Perhaps it is a sense of higher calling.  Perhaps it is our dreams and ambitions.  Perhaps it is our passion.  Once a librarian, always a librarian.  I've had jobs before, but I am a librarian; I am a professional.

My First Library

I still remember something of my first library.  I was only about three or four at the time. It was an older library with an atrium surrounded by stacks raising up on every side for several floors.  It had classic dark wood trim.  The light was a little dim, but not to dim.  I do not remember it having harsh fluorescent lights.  I remember my mother flipping through the old manual card catalog to find a book.  I remember the smell of a book that has not been opened in a while. I remember the old style library cards with the metal plate in the corner with our patron number on it.  I remember when it was sent into a metal machine where with a "thunk" it put our due date on a return slip. It was Wonderland: it was Narnia.   Part of me has always stayed in that place.  And I plan one day to make a pilgrimage back there if it is still standing.