Studying during work hours is generally not permitted. Neither is reading magazines or other type of literature.
If you are allowed study time:
Never have them in at the desk! How can we listen to our patrons?
Even one in makes us look unapproachable.
Phones should only be out if there is an emergency or you have been given permission by a supervisor. This is part of your Approachability at the desk.
Libstats are to recorded after every interaction with a patron, excepting "may I check this book out?" There are a few reasons for this:
This section is to clarify a few things you will need to know, but is not comprehensive. Some of this will be expanded on in the reference training session provided within the first two months of the fall semester.
Location
Patron Type
Question Types
You will read more about reference questions and how they work in the tab about the reference department. However, when you work at the Information Desk, your job is NOT to answer reference questions.
Simple questions like "Where are the books about frogs" or "I just need an autobiography" are best referred to a PRC or librarian. There's more behind the question than you know!
Read the following document and show a staff member or senior when you have completed it.
If patrons need help with this, in the Libstat please put the word “Proxy” at the front. (Similar to if a lost and found item is recorded you should be putting the word “Lost” in the Libstat!).
A large part of your job is going to involve 3 things:
The next two tabs "Do you have this book" and "how materials are shelves" will provide some introductory information. Be aware that most of the time, your answer to "do you have..." will be to pass the question to the PRCs or librarians - even after you are fully trained! Karlene can tell you more about why this is.
With customer service, you are expected to observe how the fully trained employees handle situations. We use a "culture of yes" which means we do our best to avoid saying things like can't, won't, don't, no, and "it's policy."