Then came a few paradigm shifts in rapid succession with relativity and quantum mechanics. And we’ve been consolidating our hold on those for something like a century.

Technology is like that. Cars were once an exciting new technology, now they’re pretty much a commodity. Our whole society was transformed by the automobile– the system of roads, commuting to work, transportation of goods. That transformation has been completed long ago, and in many places in America you’re an oddball if you ride a bike to work. (That was me– and strangers introduced themselves to me because they remembered me as the guy who rides a bike to work.)

Computers are the same way. They’ve become a commodity. They’re lasting longer and longer before software makers finally manage to force an upgrade. Amazon is putting brick-and-mortar bookstores out of business, and it’s just assumed that every business has a web site, intranet, etc. There have been rapid changes, but we’re starting to see where we’re going with it.

Libraries are going through a transition, no doubt of it. But then there will be a new normal, everyone will get used to it, and libraries will pretty much stay the same for a long time after that, except for incremental and evolutionary changes.

There are plenty of patrons who ask for simple things that I (and others in my position and lower) can very easily answer for them that we are just not allowed to (dog books are 636.7). Many people want me to put them on a request list for a book (the newest James Patterson, Evanovich, The Help, etc) while I am checking out to them. Nope, they have to walk across the library for a librarian to do that. Few people do. The job outline hindrance doesn’t just affect us circ people. Reference librarians have to stop helping their patrons and send them to us to update expired library cards. Honestly I wouldn’t find it a threat to my job if they did this two second transaction themselves.

Yes there are reasons that each job outline is designed as it is, but do they really need to feel so inflexible to staff and customers? Is this even so strict elsewhere?

9 out of 10? Really? When I was a page and a clerk back in the mid 1990′s, we were given similar instructions, and it was for our own benefit and protection. Eventually we got to the point where if we knew the answer, we would give that information, but otherwise would direct them to the appropriate staff.

Just a Clerk, it is all in THE WAY you refer the customer. I would think that if 10 percent remained in the library, then it is an issue with the first point of contact or customer attitude, and not the library policy.

Great post AL!

40 years in one school library? Pshaw, try 55. The only technology in the room was the manual typewriter she used to maintain the card catalog, when she bothered to do it.

The revolution in my library has been sudden and dramatic: massive weeding, automation, six student computers, a video studio all accomplished through grants, donations and long hours applying barcoding and scanning.

Three years ago no students ever went to the library unless they were forced to, today there are dozens who spend time before classes, their lunch period and a couple of hours after school studying, producing, researching and inspiring me to keep improving my practice, the facilities we have, and the technology we offer.

It is far too easy to become complacent, and easier to be overwhelmed by the constant churn of new apps, new technologies, new ideas and new possibilities. It is essential that librarians remain open to change and develop strategies to keep developing ourselves and the facilities we manage.