What did everyone think of yesterdays session?
I thought it was a great to see discussion on what libraries can be, what they will look like and some other interesting topics too! I liked the emphasis on the importance of future staff roles too!
Hopefully we can use this blog as a place for new ideas, discussion and contribution .... and somewhere to have a bit of fun. Because it is difficult to physically meet together as a group, perhaps we do the next best thing, meet online here!
I found the session very informative as I had this idea that Lakelands was going to be like a small shop area with just a few books and paperback stands! (?!) I think this blog is also useful for adding comments further to the session after reflecting on some of the subjects. For example, the discussion on younger staff raised an interesting comment from an (anon) staff member. Apparently a few years ago one of our younger staff members was asked to provide a patron with a picture of Scarlet O'Hara's dress, to which the response was 'Who is Scarlet O'Hara??' There is much to be said for younger staff perhaps having a better grip on technology at present but this is changing as training in required apps is provided. However, the life skills and knowledge gained over a working life of say 20 years cannot be learned over 3 months! Another consideration is that sometimes older patrons may not feel comfortable asking for information on perhaps embarrassing medical complaints from young people.
ReplyDeleteWith regard to staff roles, we didn't seem to complete that discussion at the session. In addition to the main focus of customer service in its varying forms, I also believe we will definitely still require staff to do on-going repairs to our collection as well as catalogue maintenance.
And whilst it is fun to meet online, it is a bit lonely sitting here typing (LOL!) PLUS no coffee and muffins!!
I found the session to be very interesting. While I didn't contribute during whole session discussions, I found myself really engaged with what everyone else said, especially regarding diversity. While younger staff members may provide innovatation and a certain kind of creativity and energy to the workplace, I personally find that I'm still relying on my more mature colleagues to model for me the appropriate behaviour(s)needed when dealing with challenging patrons (and I'm sure you all know how 'challenging' they can be...).
ReplyDeleteAs Cathy has said, I think that our library has started on the path of recruiting a diverse range of people in terms of age (as well as other factors), and this itself is good. I guess I would only add that the 'young person' can't be the only diversity in the staffroom, just as the Indigenous officer can't be the only diverse staffmember. Rather, everyone brings diversity to our workplace - and this was evident during the session through the various opinions that were articulated.
Bloginator,
ReplyDeleteI agree, I rely on the older (careful now!) staff for support in certain aspects of providing the library service. Experience does count for a lot and I think diversity is the key.
Kylie,
I think that having a diverse staff helps with customer service and relations. As you say, some younger staff don't have the experience but perhaps younger patrons can relate to them more. Anyways, its impossible to know everything about everything as an individual, although as a diverse team we can achieve more.
I really enjoyed the lakelands planning session too. I am flatered that our opinion is highly regarded by our management. Im sure that once the new library is up and running we will all feel a sense of achievement and pride that we had a part in its inception.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry that I bought up the discussion of age in our libraries. It was unconciously done. I was just trying to make the comment that I think I need more training on word!!!! Just simple stuff that customers have trouble with and call us over for help.
Don't be sorry! I think its a valid point and also an appropriate place to bring this stuff up.
ReplyDeleteI found the session to be very interesting and thought provoking. The lunch was delicious as well. I wonder if the public will be surveyed in any way about what they would like to see in their community and in particular the local library facility. As we should also use this space to add any further inspirations we have as to what we would like to see in the new facility, here's one. Battery charging station , like you see in airports for laptops, mobiles or whatever the current technology is at the time.
ReplyDeleteIt just proves that we're all still thinking long after the session.... battery charging is a good idea and I also agree that doing patron surveys will ensure we provide our people with the best that they require rather than our assumptions of that...as I've previously mentioned to John (LOL!)
ReplyDeleteThe session was a great opportunity to get together as a group and work together positively. Everybody has their strengths and weaknesses, and you shouldn't be afraid to ask if you don't know the answer. If we present ourselves to our customers as a united front then we can only get better at what we do. If you feel that you may be lacking in expertise in some area there should be nothing stopping you from asking someone to help you understand.
ReplyDelete