Comments on: “Work Like A Patron” Day

By: Why “Work Like a Patron Day” won’t work | tara robertson

Why “Work Like a Patron Day” won’t work | tara robertson — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 15:29:58 +0000

[...] first read about Work Like a Patron Day on Aaron Schmidt’s Walking Paper. At first glance Work Like a Patron Day seemed like a good [...]

By: Work Like a Patron Day « Sources of Inspiration

Work Like a Patron Day « Sources of Inspiration — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 15:31:54 +0000

[...] 25, 2008 at 8:31 pm (Food for Thought) A few weeks ago, I happened upon a blog entry from Brian Herzog, the Swiss Army Librarian about how he had to work on a project on a public workstation, and what he learned from the [...]

By: This Ain’t Your Grandma’s Library :gatherthing

This Ain’t Your Grandma’s Library :gatherthing — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 18:00:34 +0000

[...] recently I found this idea for seeing things from a library customer’s point of view. I especially like this quote [...]

By: Heidi

Heidi — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 15:42:12 +0000

Brian, this is fantastic! Having done a bit of patronage myself (i.e. visited the library from the “other side of the desk”), I can vouch for how challenging and sometimes daunting any library can seem. Seeing a library from the perspective of a patron is like visiting a new country, and, altho travel broadens our horizons, it can sometimes be a bit scary and intimidating. But having a librarian who appreciates that will certainly help to create a better patron experience. And for me (and I’m sure for most of you), the most important part of working in a public library is providing quality public service so that people can have fun and maybe learn something in the process. This idea will help us to achieve that. So, great idea, Brian!

And I agree with the Loose Cannon Librarian that this is such an excellent idea that it should transcend libraries and expand to all areas of public service!

By: Brian Herzog

Brian Herzog — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 22:51:21 +0000

@Kristen: I suppose all libraries are different. Being separated from the patrons a bit is good for something, but it does also mean we lose touch, too. I’m not sure if your situation is better or worse.

@Cari: Good to hear from you again - and it’s great that you’re library is so proactive. Thanks for letting me know about the Self Check strip, too - that’s great.

@Mark: I think you’re giving me too much credit, but I do agree with you - librarians should act like this everyday.

By: Mark

Mark — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 22:16:05 +0000

This might just be the dumbest thing a librarian has ever concocted.

By: AL Inside Scoop » A Patron-Eye View

AL Inside Scoop » A Patron-Eye View — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 20:27:10 +0000

[...] recently saw an excellent proposal from Brian Herzog at Swiss Army Librarian for “Work Like a Patron” day. As the name suggests, the day entails librarians working, [...]

By: Cari

Cari — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 19:31:47 +0000

Hey Brian! You may remember me from library school (I’m a friend of Cheryl’s). I like the idea! My director here at Twinsburg PL encourages these sorts of things all the time–we’re very hands-on with our patrons–but I bet there are lots of libraries who have more of a separation between patrons and staff. Especially if they’re big and the administration doesn’t get a lot of time on the floor. And hey, the idea got a cartoon in Shelf Check… that always means it’s good

By: imPACt Blog » Work Like a Patron Day

imPACt Blog » Work Like a Patron Day — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 00:34:00 +0000

[...] “Work Like A Patron” Day [...]

By: ALSC Blog » Blog Archive » Seeing Our Libraries Through the Eyes of Our Patrons

Wed, 15 Oct 2008 22:40:14 +0000

[...] Library in Massachusetts, suggests in his blog Swiss Army Librarian that October 15 be declared “Work Like a Patron” day in libraries across the USA. When he and a coworker had to use public terminals to [...]