“De-mystifying the Library: A Layman’s Guide to the Functional Areas of a Library”
Part 2: Where The People Are
In Part One we covered how library materials are selected and acquired, this next part will be discussing more of the forward facing areas of a library.
These will be the parts of the library that patrons like Erik will interact with directly.
3. Circulation
Circulation can be considered both the heart and face of a library. Typically, the Circulation desk is the first thing visitors see when they enter the building. Librarians that work in this area are the ones answering general questions and directing patrons, and their behavior can make or break a guest’s experience. When Erik walks in, the library staff at the circulation desk will be able to help guide him where he needs to go. If Erik doesn’t have a library card, they can set him up with one. If he has any late fees, the people at the circulation desk can help resolve them. Circulation staff keep shelves organized, so patrons like Erik can easily find what they need. If Erik decides to check out any materials, he will need to go to circulation to do so. When his project eventually finishes, they can help him return materials.
A library simply cannot function without circulation. Without circulation, books would be lost, patrons would be neglected, and shelves would be messy and inaccessible.
3. Reference
Besides circulation, reference is the functional area that will be most helpful to Erik’s paper. The purpose of reference is to connect patrons to the information that they need. If Erik asks a reference librarian for assistance with his research topic, the librarian will first begin with some detailed questions to determine exactly what he needs. Depending on his answers, they will then direct him to the best ways to conduct his research. They might recommend some print resources to check out, as well as find a suitable database and instruct him how to use it. If Erik needs to use a computer and needs assistance , a reference librarian will be happy to show him how.
Without a reference department, a library will not be able to provide nearly as personalized service to their patrons. A good reference department helps the library establish trust and importance in their community.
Check out this 1953 PSA about reference services from the Milwaukee Public library:
4. Cataloging
Cataloging is the method by which libraries classify and organize their materials. There are several different types of cataloging, but they all have to do with creating records of materials. Cataloging helps patrons find the information they need. Cataloging that is accessible from the internet in particular can be very helpful for gaining new patrons that would have otherwise not walked in. In Erik's case, a good cataloging department makes it easy for him to find materials that the reference librarian recommended. Once Erik becomes comfortable with the library, he can use the catalog to find additional resources. If a book is miss cataloged it becomes inaccessible for patrons. Patrons that cannot find materials may become frustrated and turn elsewhere.
5. Inter-library Loans or Resource Sharing
Inter-library loans are the way in which libraries can share resources. A library that participates in inter-library loans helps to make information more accessible. If Erik wants a title that is not in his library’s collection, but is in the collection of a partner library, the library can make an arrangement to have it sent over. Inter-library loans are particularly helpful for patrons that cannot or will not travel to other libraries. Resource sharing can be expensive for libraries, but the benefits to patrons typically outweigh the costs.
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