Comments on: We know your secrets

By: Sam

Sam — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:26:53 +0000

I work in a library that’s been automated for over 10 years and I love it when I can actually help a patron find a book or discuss books with them- it’s such a rare occurance these days. When I’m at the desk I feel all I do is check out DVDs to people or put them on a computer.
To be honest, I really try not to notice what people are getting. I figure it’s none of my business and I’m just trying to give them their privacy. Now if they want to discuss the books with me I will, but many of them don’t.

By: Dominique

Dominique — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 03:59:05 +0000

I’m not going to lie, I secretly worry that book vendors will judge me for what I pick up. But I try not to think about that. Bravado will see you through.

By: Katie

Katie — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:12:22 +0000

I’m glad you had such positive experiences, Susan! Too bad the majority of your fellow students didn’t get to know the librarian as “well” as you did!

By: Katie

Katie — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:08:05 +0000

LOL! I really do have to update my list of pirate books one of these days

By: Katie

Katie — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:06:37 +0000

Good luck with that, MtnGirl!

By: Katie

Katie — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:05:13 +0000

The level of automation many libraries have managed to implement over the last five years is a dual-edged sword. There are many like you Kate who really appreciate how it helps streamline your usage of the library, but our ability to show the human value in libraries has decreased. There are librarians out there like me who really do enjoy speaking with our patrons, so if you’ve got an extra minute or two, stop by one of the desks and say hi

By: Katie

Katie — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:01:13 +0000

Consuela, do you think there’s anything the library staff could do to help you feel less self-conscious?

By: Katie

Katie — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 23:59:35 +0000

Aw, thanks Kimber!

By: Katie

Katie — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 23:57:59 +0000

I always wonder how someone who is so publicly degrading of something they secretly read, watch, whatever can truly enjoy whatever it is. That’s so cool you were able to hopefully help her feel a little less ashamed of what she liked to read!

By: Susan Kelley

Susan Kelley — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 23:39:20 +0000

My high school librarian as considered a nasty old spinster by most of the student body, but she knew I loved books. I think I read every fiction book we had during my years in school and many of them more than once. She started setting aside the new arrivals for me to select from before shelving them. I didn’t appreciate it as much at the time as I do now looking back. The public libraries I go to now are all pretty big and friendly in a distant sort of way. I still love them though.