1. A specific observation case
Jeff Lelek
LIS 6120

2. Observation location
A fairly typical
suburban library
 Spent much time
there years ago!
 Lots of geese live on
the property…


3. Inside the library

A few shots of the interior…
Cozy reading areas

4. My desk partners

I was on desk with three librarians
throughout my observations

Librarian #1: Nice but not too
talkative; had nicely tattooed arms!
(see right)

Librarian #2: Had been with the
library a while; quite opinionated
about the library, as well!

Librarian #3: Very pleasant, we
shared many of the same duties for
our respective libraries
Not her actual arms; a close
representation

5. My specific observation
experience
Busy reference desk
 Jumped in and helped
patrons with computer
issues
 Basic tech help: printing
troubles, saving files to
flash drive, formatting
Word and Excel
documents


6. Insight from this experience
Traditional reference
still needed
 Approachability, empat
hy and listening are
important
 Technical skills are
essential
 Education / teaching
skills becoming
necessary


7. Connections with my readings

The traditional method of reference desk
help is not going anywhere soon
(Miles, 2013)
 People will seek help from a central desk location

Teaching / educational competencies are
becoming more important to librarians
(Schimpf, 2012)
 Technology skills
 Individual instruction skills
 Communication skills

8. Connections, cont’d

Approachability (Kern and
Woodard, 2011)
 Sensitivity
 Self-control
 Sense of humor
 Empathy
 Good judgment
 Confidence

9. Thanks for watching!