Today is our library’s in-service day. We’re closing all our locations in order to learn and share better ways to serve our patrons. Like, um, staying open more hours.
But in-services are important. They’re opportunities to make sure everyone’s on the same page—so to speak—with policies and procedures and also a good time to question how things are done where everyone can chime in. We get in some training on new equipment, new databases, security procedures, materials selection, patron interactions, and all sorts of etceteras.
Anyone who thinks that all library staff does is read books and shelve them should come to one of our in-services. We’ll tire you out.
Our admin always throws in fun stuff, too—we did a belly dancing mini-class one year—and as we’re essentially a rowdy bunch, it’s a good time. Plus, lunches are being provided by my favorite sandwich place!
I’m looking forward to it.
So, in keeping with the theme o’ the day, here’s a beautiful promotional video about someone else’s system:*
I love my library, but if a job opens up in Ireland, I’d at least go to interview. Whether they asked me or not.
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*Once again, I raided Smart Bitches, Trashy Books for this vid. SBSarah was sent it by someone named Phyl, and that’s all I know.
Earful of Cider 
I love you loving yourself as a librarian.
😀 The job fits my skill set — I’m a nosy, know-it-all, show-off.
Great promo! I am so appreciative of libraries and librarians! Every time I walk through the doors, I am overwhelmed by a deep sense of calm. If I could, I would sleep there.
No sleeping in the library! Dreaming, however, is encouraged. 🙂
Teacher in-services (thus far) have not been as fun as yours sound! I knew I should have been a librarian–it’s never too late, though, is it? 😉
<—moving to Ireland. Soon.
Come to the librarian side—we have chocolate!
It’s always great to see librarians loving their job! I’ve just started my masters degree in librarianship, so I look forward to joining your ranks ^_^
Excellent! Have you chosen a focus, yet.
I think Librarian is one of my dream jobs, but none of the libraries around here are hiring.
That video is awesome, though.
Also, What fun activity did they sneak in this time?
Yeah, the economy has hit libraries, too, so there are hiring freezes everywhere, especially at the clerk-aide levels.
The fun activity was also an instructional workshop (sneaky, sneaky): we split into small groups and one staff member played a frustrated and/or difficult patron while the rest of us “handled” the situation. There was much hilarity—we really let loose with our own frustrations—and a lot of solid advice.
Great video but as someone who used to work in libraries (re-shelving books and updating periodicals in a law library) all I could think was who is going to put them all back.
😀 I was hoping it was the production assisitants. But I know better!
That video is awesome. Libraries rule. So do librarians.
I agree. 😀