PT Librarian @patoney - Tumblr Blog

Reference Reflections

I mostly work in a back office so these musings are anecdotal.

Lots are people are coming to print - from their phone.

In the last week, I've noticed on three separate occasions, Black men appearing in mental distress dressed in light gray sweats. Where are they coming from?

Tech fear - people coming in asking for help before trying to use the computer. Are basic instructions unclear or is reading the challenge?

#libraries #social services #computers #printing

Adult Reference

I'm a children's librarian. I took an extra shift and found myself on the adult reference desk.

This is what I encountered:

a repeat elderly caller who asked the same question over and over again and had trouble hearing the response. When offered the phone number of the facility in question, they avoided the question.

three Black Women came in for new library cards. YAY!!!!

a student called requesting a textbook - not in our collection. patron referred to Link+. When I suggested an ebook, the patron was able to find the book on the internet archive.

adults excited about the summer challenge which is open to all ages. they went home with vouchers to see the local baseball team.

online patron upgrading their card from temporary to full status

regular patron wanting to tell me their life story

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#librarylife #reference

Recommendation for your trip to the California Academy of Sciences

There so much to do and it can be overwhelming when you first walk in.

Here’s my recommendation for your visit (with older kids) i.e. this bypasses the toddler play areas (East Garden and Curiosity Grove)

Upon entry make reservations for the Planetarium (using a QR Code on a sign). Pick a time at least two hours after your arrival.

Start with the tropical butterfly rainforest - it ends in the aquarium on the lower level.

have a snack/ break for food / visit the West Hall

then enjoy the planetarium which ends on Level 3 near the naturalist education center and gems/minerals exhibit