Day in the Life of a Library Associate
What is a Library Associate? In my library system, an associate is the second in command of a branch. We’re above the pages/shelver and assistants but below Librarians and Branch Manager. As I work at a branch and not at the Main Library anymore, there’s only 5 of us for the whole building and I’m responsible for a lot more.
I’m on the front desk today as we can only have person out there right now due to Covid-19. I’m responsible for assisting any patrons that come in and answering the phone.
8:55 Arrive at work, turn off alarm system, turn on lights, sign in on time sheet, record temperature in log, put stuff away
9:00 Put out supplies and start early morning duties such as verifying money(fines, donations, etc) from the weekend, pulling holds, checking email and phone, and get the library ready for patrons
10:00 unlock doors, check for more holds and finish putting the hold bins out for delivery to the other branches. Fill out PR form for an upcoming teen program and send to supervisor for her to to check over it.
10:45 Delivery bins from the other branches are here! Check all the materials in. Luckily it’s a small batch today (only 5 bins). Answer phone calls and patron questions in-between checking stuff in.
12:00 Lock doors and clean areas patrons have been. Straighten shelves. Finalize program and send it in to PR so they can advertise it. All of our programs have to be sent in at least 1 month in advance.
12:20ish Take lunch break
12:50 Back from break. Refill water bottle and make sure holds are ready on the pickup shelf
1:00 Open doors back up to patrons. Work on adding series information to YA books in the bibliographic and item records. Print new spine labels. Add items to a record set for tech services to look over and approve.
3:30 Finally finish labeling the set of books I requested from the other branches and put them in the delivery bins to go back tomorrow. Help a patron find the newest Nicholas Sparks book. Help 3 more patrons check out. Record patron tally -12 people so far today.
3:45 Look through a catalog from Baker and Taylor to pre-select children’s and teens’ items to purchase.
4:30 Get headache from starting at computer screen for too long so get up to clean DVD section and pull more holds before I leave
4:55 Disinfect front desk work station and self checkout so evening staff can take over.
5:00 Gather up my belongings, sign out on time sheet and wish co-workers a good evening. We had 2 more patrons come in from 3:30-5.
