2. INITIAL IMPRESSIONS:
-
Few Library staff
-
Many volunteers
-
Wide selection
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Small physical reference area
-
Many computers available to patrons
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Security Key-in and Automated doors
-
Many public outreach program fliers
-
Many clubs, associations and meetings at this location
-
Overall noise level

3. OBSERVE AND REPORT:
•
Reference and Library personnel interaction is guided to have a brief
and effective communication.
•
Many attempts made at directing people toward effective resources for
future research/inquiry.
•
Always attempting to solve the patrons problem regardless of the
nature of the problem itself, from cell phone programming to lost items.
•
Strict adherence to a code of conduct to prohibit any course of action
that may compromise the library.
•
Demonstrating extra care for the disabled.
•
“Doing your best”.

4. THE DAY TO DAY OPERATIONS:
•
Problem Patrons and the security situation
•
Outreach and Educational Programs
•
Funding issues
•
Trying to bridge the Digital Divide
•
Censorship, patrons and the ongoing struggle
•
Trying to help everyone while excluding none
•
Patron interaction

5. SPECIAL CONCERNS:
 The future of funding in a scary economy
 The future of technology, reference and the difficulties of allowing
access to all while excluding none
 Special programs for a changing world
 Maintaining relevance

6. REFLECTIONS
-
Funding isn’t the issue, using what you’re given effectively IS
-
Fight for the patrons and they fight for you
-
Hands-on certainly grants a different perspective
-
The world is a changing place, reference must change with it

7. WORKS CITED:
Bopp, R. E., & Smith, L. C. (2011). Reference and Information Services an Introduction, Fourth
Edition.. Santa Barbara: ABC-CLIO.
Haycock, K., & Sheldon, B. E. (2008). Information Seeking. The portable MLIS: insights from the
experts (pp. 35-54). Westport, Conn.: Libraries Unlimited
MCCORMACK, H. (n.d.). A Most Optimistic Unconference: Publishers, Libraries, and Independent
Bookstores at Digital Book World 2012. Library Journal Reviews. Retrieved November 13, 2013,
from http://reviews.libraryjournal.com/2012/01/in-the-bookroom/publishing/a-most-optimisticunconference-publishers-libraries-and-independent-bookstores-at-digital-book-world-2012/
Rowley, J. E., & Farrow, J. (2000). Organizing knowledge: an introduction to managing access to
information (3rd ed.). Aldershot, Hampshire, England: Gower.
(2012). Special Issue, the 2012 State of America's Libraries. American libraries, 1(1), 68.