Blog Reflection #8

Although specialized libraries provide in-depth services and information geared toward specific users, I’m a big fan of a good old-fashioned public library. The types of patrons I would like to help, other than children/students and the general public would include senior citizens and unemployed workers. With the increasing number of seniors needing assistance, people losing their jobs, and sometimes unrealistic dreams for a fruitful future, I would like to help these patrons find positive ways to reach their personal and financial goals. There are various agencies to help people find social groups, jobs, and assistance. However, many patrons may not know how to access the appropriate agencies, information, services, or even where to begin looking.  That’s where the library can help….but only if patrons know how to use the services of the library!

Library instruction is an important and beneficial part of the whole library experience. My library would provide online tutorials as well as actual classroom-type instruction on how to search for needed services. I believe most (if not all) libraries have a small room or conference area that could accommodate patrons in need of actual instruction. People need to be instructed on how to find books or printed references by looking up information on an in-house computer. It’s easy to enter information on a computer and get a list of books, but it may not be easy finding those books on the shelves. Unemployed workers may need instruction on how to access job listings that are up-to-date, within a certain region, and request specific experience and qualifications. It doesn’t make sense to spend hours looking through items that are irrelevant. Senior citizens need to know how to easily access reliable and current services.

The reference librarians are almost always knowledgeable, helpful, friendly, and willing to help. But knowing how to access information on your own is invaluable.