Things You Don’t Learn in Library School
February 27th, 2013During a library meeting yesterday, someone used the phrase, "and that's not something I learned in library school," in reference to something they frequently do at the library - which reminded me that I had this in my to-blog folder.
I'm sure every librarian could easily make a list of similar tasks - something you have to deal with on a regular basis or a part of the job you take for granted now, but was never even hinted at during your LIS coursework.
The iLibrarian blog points to two such lists - one for Academic Librarians, and this list of things Public Librarians deal face, ready or not:
- Janitorial Work
- Mental Illness
- Public Health
- Activism
- Complaints
- Exorbitant Fines
- Sexual Situations
- Vandalism
- Parent/Child Discipline
- Violence
Be sure to click through and read the descriptions. It's definitely worth it for new librarians - experienced libraries will see some that are familiar, and should give thanks for those that aren't.
February 28th, 2013 at 12:45 pm
You forgot one important one: stapler maintenance and repair!
March 1st, 2013 at 3:12 pm
Another: security guard at closing time.
March 6th, 2013 at 2:00 pm
Very timely. This is just what I was thinking the other day as I scraped a quart of gloppy pink liquid soap off of the sink counter in the men’s room, after a patron alerted me that the dispenser had been ripped off the wall and emptied. “Other duties as needed” is our mantra… Mostly I was just grateful it wasn’t the usual kinds of liquids we have to deal with in that room! 🙂
March 19th, 2013 at 11:52 am
Man, aren’t these true? Copier and printer maintenance is another I would vote for. We recently had the Blackbelt Librarian Warren Graham come to our library and talk about patron safety and security. Such a great program.