I have worked in libraries for nearly 30 years and have seen new technology completely change the nuts and bolts of library services. There is one thing doesn't seem to have changed and that is the idea people have that you should be quiet in a library.
I currently work in a busy regional public library and one of the joys of this job is the cross-section of the community that comes in each day.
We have people from all walks of life who come in for a myriad of different reasons ranging from groups of excited children to seniors who are looking for a quiet place to read/rest.
So what sort of an environment should the library be providing - quiet and restful or noisy and stimulating.
We enjoy inviting book discussion groups into our midst - unfortunately this has aggravated at least one customer to confront the group and suggest that they would be better off at the pub!!
We also enjoy having groups of kids in for different activities - but you can hardly hear ourselves think when 20 kids are excitedly chattering.
So what is the answer............ As a staff member I encourage the sound of people chatting and enjoying our facilities, but am I also responsible for upholding a quiet environment for those that want to concentrate.
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4 comments:
Hi Librarylady,
This balance of keeping the public happy is a difficult act, isn't it?
We had a borrower who said the library wasn't a place for school groups! I calmly explained it was a place for EVERYONE and suggested that perhaps he may delay his visit each week by a hour to avoid the "noisy" children.
Cosy corners for reading well away from the busier areas help, if you have the space.
The library is a place for everyone isn't it! We can't always make everyone happy all the time, but I think we do a great job of catering for different user groups.
Sometimes you just can't win.
We had a particularly fun and happy (aka noisy) story-time at our branch recently, and a couple of visitors commented on how lovely it was to hear the children enjoying themselves ...
I love libraries and I am happy that I found a library in Hamilton.
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