[Publib] Librarian talents

[Brent, Gerry]

I've been reading the posts on this subject and have to admit to some
dismay.  Take this excerpt from one of the posts:

 

"We need to stop comparing ourselves with and basing our service policy
on the for-profit sector.  They are in business to attract and keep
customers (and IMO that term should refer only to those who pay upfront
for their service).  Yes, we depend on our public to support the library
through various taxes, and yes, we should see that our employers, i.e.,
the public get the most bang for their buck.  But we're decidedly NOT
Nordstroms or a Cadillac dealership.  And that's certainly the message
we should be sending the public."  

 

What exactly is your message?  It sounds as if you think you're doing
someone a favor by providing service.  And - yes - your library users do
pay upfront for their services.  You absolutely need to be thinking
about attracting and keeping customers, or you'll really be working in
Nordstrom's.  

 

Then this except was even worse to me:

"Patrons can feel the eye roll, even if no eye is physically rolled."  

 

How sad that someone who needs assistance is made to feel as if they are
imposing upon a librarian when asked to do his/her job.  

 

 

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