When someone gets hired at the library, we invariably hear them say “I had no idea all this went on here.” From creating programs to evaluating and purchasing materials for checkout, there is always plenty to keep staff occupied. Each day is full of variety, but I thought I’d share with you how the library staff might spend their workday.
Upon arriving at 8:30 a.m. we prep the library for opening. We check displays, our information board, the bookdrop and the calendar. Staff sets up the community room for any program to be held that day, whether our planned programming or another group that is using our community room.
We then turn on computers, feed the fish (since we don’t have a library cat), process returned books and pull any newly requested items. These items may be for our local patrons but also may be books we send by courier to other libraries in our consortium. During our two-hour desk shifts we handle reader’s advisory questions, reference questions, fax and business services and more. We also help with computer questions, printing, and program advertising and sign-up.
When we’re not at the service desk we all have our separate areas of responsibility. Ron runs the IdeaLab, our makerspace. With 3D printers (yes, we have three), our electronics supplies, and our video editing we can help you get started on most any project. Ron also has established our first internship program. Currently we have two high school students interning at ICL. We hope that this experience will assist students in developing employment skills as well as understanding what it takes to run the library.
Dixie handles the processing of all library materials, from cataloging each item to ensuring that they are properly labeled, covered or packaged. She oversees the facility as well as planning programs. We’re very excited that soon this part will include overseeing our newest addition; the bookmobile!
Dorothy is our service desk manager. She makes sure that things run smoothly on the service side of things. During her day she will be at the service desk, working on the overdue book list, helping with programs, working with the interns on their customer service skills, and she runs a book club once per month.
Lindsay runs the programming at ICL, both for kids and adults. She hosts our weekly storytime, provides programs at the elementary school, facilitates film screenings, author talks and more. If you have ideas for programs you would like to see us offer, contact Lindsay.
For marketing, we rely on Cheyenne. With her photography background, her natural artistic leanings, Chey helps get the word out on library events and offerings. She also puts a smile on our face with some of her social media posts and jokes.
The rest of the staff; Patti, Helen, and Libby, run the service desk, help with programs, computer assistance, readers advisory and so much more. We get to meet new folks in the community and enjoy visiting with those who’ve been here a lifetime.
As you can see, we have plenty to do to keep offering our community the quality services and materials you’ve come to expect and to remain at the forefront of library services.
We hope to see you at the Ignacio Community Library soon!