[Publib] new question... reference off desk time

[Styer, C. Michelle]

In our library, reference librarians spend shifts at the reference desk (usually an hour during the daytime and all evening one evening a week).  While not on the desk they work on such things as weeding, shifting, or reading the reference collection; preparing library instruction classes for our student patrons; working on various library projects and committees and generally keeping up with day to day goings on in our community.  Our circulation staff do most of the reading and shelving for the general collection, but in times of heavy traffic, reference assists.  Several of our reference librarians are also over specific areas, one is also our acquisitions librarian, one works with our government documents repository, some help with budgeting etc.

> [Original Message]
> From: Lynne Ingersoll <lingersoll at blueislandlibrary.org>
> To: <publib at webjunction.org>
> Date: 8/28/2007 7:11:12 AM
> Subject: RE: [Publib] new question
>
> Hello...
>
> I remember seeing something on this awhile ago so please forgive the
repeat.
>
> I finally have enough staff to actually schedule off-desk time for my
> Reference Librarians.  How much time should be off-desk in a 37½ week? 
> X hours per week; per day?  Should some of this time be designated, i.e.
for
> weeding, reading journals, special projects; or should it be left up to
the
> staff member?
>
> Thanks.
>
> Lynne S. Ingersoll
> Reference Services Manager
> Technical Services Manager
> Blue Island Public Library
> 2433 York Street
> Blue Island, IL 60406
> (708) 388-1078 x20
> (708) 388-9301 Fax
>
>
>
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