I'm back! And to begin my back-to-posting, I'm sharing this about using your Library

I got caught up in my library's Summer Read program ... and all of the other additional responsibilities that got put on my plate.   So, I let blogging slide.   But, I have read some good books lately, and plan on getting back into blogging.

Photo courtesy of Book Riot post

So, to start my back-to-posting, I wanted to share this wonderful post over at BookRiot which shows everyone 6 ways to become a Power User of the Public Library.    I'm sharing this because not only am I a Librarian (so, of course, I want everyone to use their local library), but also because even before I got my MLIS, I was a library power user.    And, so I want to make everyone who might read this aware of how much their library can do for them.

Here's an example from the Book Riot post: 3. Make use of the Interlibrary Loan System – and respect itSince the public library can only carry so much, since its focus is not on being an archive or repository for all books, and because the collection is tailored to the community being served, sometimes you want a book and it’s no where to be found. Rather than request it for purchase, ask about interlibrary loan.The interlibrary loan system (ILL) is a country-wide, interconnected system of libraries that agree to lend items to one another. The libraries within the system include public, academic/college, and special libraries, meaning the pool of available titles is massive. If you’re looking for a rare book or a specialty title, your library may be able to track it down and request it for you via ILL.

I know I posted a long time ago about interlibrary loan, but it's something that I like to remind people about.   Just because you don't see something on a library's shelves does not mean it's not available.   First, it could just be checked out by someone else.   Ask a staff member to check this -- because if something is checked out, they can put it on hold for you.   And if your library doesn't own something, ask if you can get it through interlibrary loan.    It's almost impossible for a library to own every single book, or every single CD or DVD, etc.   Unless it's the Library of Congress .... and that library doesn't work like a public library.   However, interlibrary loan lets libraries share their collections with each other --- and it's pretty easy.   And, most of the time, it's free.

So, if you ever wanted to know some of what your Library can do for you, go check out the Book Riot post and then go to your own library and see what kind of services they have.   :)

Library Lagniappe --- on patience

I am extraordinarily patient, provided I get my own way in the end.

Margaret Thatcher, in Observer April 4, 1989
British politician (1925 - )

I found myself thinking about this quote today, while working at the library.   Why?  Because lately, the whole concept of patience has been on my mind .... because of e-readers.   Let me explain.

Our library subscribes to a product called Overdrive, which allows us to provide access to downloadable e-books and audiobooks to our patrons.   As a reader, you may already be familiar with Overdrive if your own library offers it.   It's actually a pretty nice product, as it has a collection of audiobooks and e-books, and recently, Overdrive worked out a business deal with Amazon to offer e-books for Kindles.   And, most of the time, it's pretty great.

But right now, our Reference staff has been working hard to keep up with questions from people who just got some kind of e-reader for Christmas --- and some of these people expect us to 1) know everything possible about how to make it work, and 2) be able to fix any kind of problem .... with a snap of our fingers.  

Thus, my little quote about patience at the top of this post, and the inspiration for today's Library Lagniappe.  If you, or someone you know, has an e-reader (a Nook, a Kindle product, an iPad, a tablet, etc) and you go to the library for help with downloading stuff, please keep this in mind:

Library staff often do not get these devices for in-library use, so sometimes, the first time any of us have seen a device is when someone brings it into the library.   This means ----

* Sometimes, we operate a lot on theory, but not on actual practice.  I own a Nook, so I'm very comfortable with troubleshooting that device.  I do not own a Kindle product (any of them), and until last week, had not physically seen a Kindle Fire.    

* We have a lot of information from Overdrive about how to make Overdrive work with these devices.  However, their information isn't always perfect, which means we sometimes have to search for a solution to a problem.   I know it may be hard to believe, but we do not magically have all of the answers --- we are librarians, and we know how to find them.

* We are not allowed to touch your device if you bring it in to the library.   We can show you where to touch on it, etc., but we are not allowed to touch it, ourselves.    And also ..... if you call us on the phone and ask for help, we cannot magically see you, your computer, or your device.   All we can do is go on what you are telling us, and try to help.  

and finally ---- We are doing the best we can, so please bear with us.  Overdrive and Amazon worked out their deal and didn't let us know until the day the e-books became available, so we all had to scramble to come up with instructions for our library patrons, and figure out how the downloading process works (because it's very, very different for any Kindle device than it is for any other e-reader).  Then, Amazon came out with things like the Fire, which work differently, as well.    We are working as fast as we can to keep up with the changes, and the technology, and how to get that information to our patrons.   We do not work in the world of Harry Potter and do not know a specific spell to make the downloading work, work faster, etc.  

So .... we do our best to be patient with the technology, and all I ask is that people be a bit patient with us.   We almost always get to the root of the problem and get everything working, as quickly as we can... and a with a smile.   Even if it takes 45 minutes.   Yes....   you might find that exhausting, and so do we.

Thank you!!!

Library Lagniappe .... being thankful

I am not a huge fan of Thanksgiving.  I'm not anti-Thanksgiving, but I tend to see it more as just a "food holiday."  I usually work the day before and the day after, and while I like turkey, I have it when I want it, not just on Thanksgiving.

But I digress.  What I do like about Thanksgiving, other than the amazing pumpkin pie crunch I'm making to bring on Thursday, is that it is a good opportunity to take a bit of time and reflect on what I'm thankful for.  So, I thought I'd work that into a Library Lagniappe post.

I am thankful for the fact that I changed careers to become a Librarian, because even though it meant taking a pay cut from my previous career, it means that I am in a position where I can help people and make a difference (instead of working through in-bins of paperwork every day and feeling like it made no difference at all). 

I am also thankful for the patrons who come in, and return my smile, even if they don't stop at the desk.  I'm one of those people who smile at everyone, and I will tell you --- not everyone smiles back.  In fact, many people don't smile back.   So, when someone does, it just makes your day.  Extra points go to one of my favorite patrons, a man I call "Tall, Dark and Handsome" -- he is not only one of the nicest people to look at, but he has an amazing smile.   Yes, I know I'm married .... so is he, and it's perfectly okay if we smile at one another.

I am thankful for the people who say "thank you" because they make up for the ones who don't.  Simple, really, but it can give you quite the lift when one person says thank you.

I am thankful for these kinds of interactions, because now that I work with the public, I am much more aware of how I am when I interact with people.  I make sure I say please, and thank you, and smile.  Even if I'm grumpy --- because I know how it feels to be on the receiving end.

And, I'm thankful to be where I work, with people I like, in a nice work environment.  Even on the worst day, I can always count on a smile from a co-worker ---- or, at the very least, a stroll down an aisle to find some great reading material.

Thanks to everyone who visits their library, and supports us!   I didn't want to leave that out.    Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!!

Library Lagniappe -- special Halloween version

Zombie librarian

A friend of mine suggested that I do a "scary librarian" post for October, which I thought sounded like a good idea --- but then, I realized I could do a "scary patron" post much more easily.   So, here's a Library Lagniappe about some of the top kinds of scary patrons:

 1)  The drinker.   Once in a while, I have someone come up to the desk who has had a bit too much before they walked in the library (their fumes usually precede them).  I try not to think about how they arrived (because the thought that they drove here is pretty awful).    These patrons tend to ask somewhat odd questions, or completely garble their question, making it a bit tricky to help them find what they need.  On occasion, they can become a bit testy, making things tricky for staff.  Luckily, I've never had someone become violent.  

2) The stinker.  'Nuff said, I think --- I know that some people can't help it, so I'm not hard on these people.  However, whether it's too much perfume, heavy nicotine smell, or just plain old b.o., I'm glad we have a small fan at the desk (we don't have great air circulation in our library, so this little fan comes in handy).

3) The "charmer."   While this kind of male patron can be somewhat amusing, he can be pretty annoying.  The Charmer likes nothing more than to ask a question that involves going down into the stacks, where he can then chat you up (and ask you out) while you're trying to find what he's looking for.   His other tactic is to come up to the desk and take something off of it (like your pen) while trying to come off as cute and funny.  Uh, yeah.  No.

4) The Interrupter.  Many people are in a hurry when they need something, which I understand.  However, it's difficult to help someone when they keep talking over you and interrupting you when you are trying to determine what they need.  These patrons will start off by asking if we have something, and then, as I'm trying to tell them, keep talking over me.  I always stop, because I feel that it's easier to let them talk.  Also, they might be saying something that will help me locate what they want.  However, it's frustrating when you're trying to explain that yes, we have it, or no, we don't, but we can get it ..... and they just don't let you finish a sentence.    We have a few patrons who are constantly doing this, and after a while, you just dread it when they call.


5)  The Nothing-Makes-Me-Happy Complainer.  I understand that it's frustrating when you go to the library and they don't have what you want.  However, it's kinda not cool to start complaining, and then be unhappy no matter what the solution is.   Example: Person comes in, needs a book for a class, and we don't have it.   They're not happy that we don't have it (which I understand).  Then, they're not happy that it will take 5-7 days to interlibrary loan it.  But, they're also not happy to learn that it's at a library about 20 minutes from us, where they could pick it up (why should they have to drive?).  Then, they're not happy that we just don't have every textbook for every school here.   This is the kind of person who is just determined to be unhappy, no matter what.  This person also usually starts to broaden their complaints to other things, like the fact that we only have one entrance, that they don't understand why we don't have more movies, etc etc etc.   We do what we can, but unfortunately, I can't wave my magic wand and make everything better.  


6)  The "Aren't You the Meanest Librarian" Glarer:  This is the person who doesn't like it when staff politely ask them to: please take their cell phone call away from the computer area (because there are signs clearly stating we don't allow calls in that area), or to please turn down their headphones (because if I can hear what you're listening to where I sit, which is about 20 feet from the computers, it's too loud).   They feel that someone like me must be the meanest, most awfulest librarian ever --- at least, that's what they like to convey with their glares.   Yeah, sorry about that.  I suppose I'm just so mean because I politely ask you to do something that either is bothering everyone else, or just isn't allowed (and this is the only area that we don't allow calls in the entire library).  Yes, wouldn't it be just so nice if I'd leave them alone?  Actually, yes, for me and for the person.  However, my boss expects me to do my job.  Which is being a Mean Librarian.  Yep!  That's me!


7) Lastly, the Non-Thanker.   I don't know of a really good word for this kind of patron, so I made that up.   It's always kind of a downer when you spend time helping someone and they don't even say thanks.  I don't need praises, or roses, or chocolates, but a small thank-you always makes me feel absolutely great.   Not that it's all about making me feel good, mind you, but this is something that if you help several people like this in a row, you need to take a break and go have a piece of chocolate to feel better about things.

This post has been brought to you courtesy of all of those bad patrons --- and is something I'm including in the Bookie Brunch Trick or Treat Hop.   Please follow the link to learn all about it and to see who else is participating (lots and lots of fun things!)

Library Lagniappe --- let's read dangerous books!!!

I thought I'd do a library post that focuses on banned books, since it is Banned Books Week (9/24 - 10/1).  If you aren't already familiar with Banned Books Week, I'd encourage you to check out this link to ALA (American Library Association) and the Banned Books site.

As a librarian and a reader (I'm making that tiny distinction because not every librarian loves to read books.  Shocking, but true), I believe in reading books that have been challenged.  In my library, we put together a display every year to focus on these books and we have the display up all through the month of September (and I will say, our display totally kicks butt this year!).  The books we feature are ones that have been the targets of challenges or attempted bannings (in the majority of cases, books are not actually completely banned, although they may be restricted).   The whole point of our display is to not only draw attention to these books, but to also show how important it is that we celebrate our rights to read what we want (a/k/a/ our First Amendment rights).

Here are some statistics, courtesy of ALA: 

Over the past ten years, American libraries were faced with 4,660 challenges.

• 1,536 challenges due to “sexually explicit” material;
• 1,231 challenges due to “offensive language”;
• 977 challenges due to material deemed “unsuited to age group”;
• 553 challenges due to “violence”
• 370 challenges due to “homosexuality”; and

Further, 121 materials were challenged because they were “anti-family,” and an additional 304 were challenged because of their “religious viewpoints.”

1,720 of these challenges (approximately 37%) were in classrooms; 30% (or1,432) were in school libraries; 24% (or 1,119) took place in public libraries.  There were 32 challenges to college classes; and 106 to academic libraries.  There are isolated cases of challenges to materials made available in or by prisons, special libraries, community groups, and student groups.  The majority of challenges were initiated by parents (almost exactly 48%), while patrons and administrators followed behind (10% each).

find this at The Book Smugglers

Now, have I read every book on that list of most challenged books?  No, although I have read most of them.  Do I love every book that I have read that happens to be on that list?   No --- but here's the important thing:  Just because I didn't like the book doesn't mean that I believe no one else should have the opportunity and right to read it.  Period. 

And frankly, if a book is challenged, it's a signal to me that it's probably an interesting read.  I like being defiant like that.  Yeah.... just call me Dangerous Librarian!

So, feel free to read what you want this week!!!    Read dangerous books!!  And don't forget to see if your local library has an interesting display going on!

Library Lagniappe --- on the subject of BookLamp

Today on Library Lagniappe:  get ready for the rant.......

So, there I was, reading the Huffington Post Book section, and I came across this interesting little article about a new service called Booklamp, which offers reading suggestions, much along the lines of how Pandora recommend music.   And, I was curious.   After all, as a librarian, and someone who does Reader's Advisory at times, I was curious to see how Booklamp worked.

So, I went on over to Booklamp and typed in a title to see what it would recommend.   According to the Huff Post article, Booklamp says "Unlike other such services", Booklamp says that it compares book content (which they dub "StoryDNA") rather than previous purchases or author popularity.

The company attempts to help readers find new books that they will enjoy, based on the writing style and themes of books they have enjoyed in the past. The service claims to examine not only the style, but the pacing, perspective and dialog of the text when recommending a book."

I typed in Kraken by China Mieville, and here's what came up:  The City & The City by China Mieville.  No surprise there, since it's another book by the author.  Next one suggested:  Un Lun Dun by China Mieville.  Actually, a bit of a surprise, since although this book is by the same author, it's completely different from Kraken.  Un Lun Dun is a book written for younger readers, and while it has elements that are similar, I wouldn't say it's quite what I might recommend to someone.   And then, things turn a turn down Wackadoo Lane.   The next book suggested by Booklamp was The Bad Mother's Handbook by Kate Long.  Huh?

Looking at the "Story DNA" on Booklamp, here's what it says for Kraken:

Death & the Dead/Postmortem

History/Academics/Culture

Old City Infrastructure

Police Involvement

Docks & Warehouses

The "Story DNA" for The Bad Mother's Handbook says:

Pregnancy/Motherhood

Features of the Body

Fashion/Clothing

School Environment

Brunch/Social Gatherings

Here is the summary of The Bad Mother's Handbook (courtesy of BookList): This charming, funny first novel has propelled its author to the top of the best-seller charts in the UK. The narrative alternates between the voices of three generations of the same family: bright 17-year-old Charlotte, whose pregnancy threatens her plans to go to university; her bitter mother, Karen, whose pregnancy at 16 ensured that her own dreams would never be realized; and Karen's sweet mother, Nan, who is starting to show signs of dementia. Karen is consumed with frustration at the thought that her family seems doomed to replay the same dismal themes of abandonment and restricted opportunities, and between caring for her increasingly infirm mother and worrying about Charlotte, she's exhausted. Meanwhile, Charlotte, unable to get her baby's father to take responsibility, falls in with seemingly nerdy Daniel, who soon proves to be extraordinarily helpful and an extremely proficient lover. These very appealing women do, of course, work everything out, leaving a trail of hysterical one-liners in their wake.

What about this book makes it a good suggestion for a reader who likes Kraken by China Mieville?  No idea.

The other 2 suggestions in the list from BookLamp were My Best Friend by Laura Wilson and Yeats is Dead by Joseph O'Connor.   I don't know what these books have in common with Kraken, either.   Looking at the "Story DNA" didn't make it any clearer.

What I find a bit puzzling is that this service seems to bill itself as being very, very innovative.  After all, BookLamp doesn't base suggestions on social feedback and bias (unlike, it implies, Shelfari, LibraryThing, Amazon, and other sites).   They state on their site that "Enjoyment is our goal. We want you to glimpse the same world of possibility when you arrive at our site as you would walking in the front door of the largest, oldest, most mystical library you've ever seen."    That's very cool.  However, this statement: "The last thing we would want is to walk into a library, and have a person standing there that shoves a book into your hands and says, "You can go home without looking any more. This is the best book for you.""  Not cool.   Actually, I was a bit offended by this.

As a librarian, part of what I do is Reader's Advisory; basically, I help people find what they would like to read (or watch, or listen to).  And I never shove one book into someone's hands and say "You can go home without looking any more."   The whole point of Reader's Advisory is to talk to a person and discover what they liked, or didn't like about what they read.  Maybe they've read Stephenie Meyer and want something new.  But do they want vampires?  Do they want a book that has a love triangle?  Would they prefer werewolves?  Do they just want a romance?    Maybe this person has read everything that Stephen King has written, everything that Dean Koontz has written -- they want something completely new, but still really scary.   But what kind of scary?  Psychological-scary? Gory-scary?   And no, I don't badger people with questions -- I ask enough so I can find a few suggestions I think they'll like.

As you can see, helping someone find a good book is actually a combination of some skills: we need to ask the right kind of questions, we need to listen to what the person is saying, and we need to be able to point them towards a couple of selections to look at.   And no, we don't know every single book or author in the world.  Some of us do know a lot of books or authors or series or genres, especially if we select books in the library.  There are people who specialize in Reader's Advisory, and who are absolutely amazing at it.  Joyce Saricks is one of those people, and she's written some of the authoritative books on the subject, in addition to writing for BookList (and doing some other cool things).  When we're not sure what to give someone, we turn to one of the coolest tools in the world: Novelist. 

Novelist is a database/service provided by a company named Ebsco (so it's something your library would need to subscribe to, but you can't get a personal subscription).  Novelist provides book suggestions based on all sorts of factors, appeal being one of them, but also provides author information, read-alikes for books and authors, series information, and much more.    While it's not perfect (because nothing really is.  Except China Mieville.  I believe he's perfect), it's a great tool and sometimes, a real life-saver when I can't come up with a suggestion.

I can see where BookLamp would be interesting, because it definitely recommends things that you wouldn't think of.   You don't have to come in to a library, or speak to anyone, to see recommendations and find books.  However, I don't think it's really quite up to speed for making good recommendations yet (they do admit that they are still adding in books and authors.  I looked for some classics, like The Grapes of Wrath, and found nothing).  And, I don't think it can beat a good Reader's Advisor - although I'm looking forward to checking back on it in a few months.

And that's the lagniappe for now.    Comments are always welcome, as well as suggestions of topics for future Library Lagniappe posts.

Library Lagniappe --- what's the deal with shushing ????

actually, not really.....

Going through my Reader today, I came across this post by Phil Bradley, where he writes about an unfunny mug, and the whole "shushing" in the library notion.     He says, "Maybe I'm just being a tad oversensitive (in much the same way as not laughing at a racist jokes means you don't have a sense of humour) but I'm sick and tired of organizations perpetrating a sad, boring, out of date and inaccurate stereotype."

So, I thought for today's Library Lagniappe post, the subject would be: shushing.

Some people seem to have a rather old-fashioned idea of a typical librarian in their head:  she (it's always a she) wears somewhat dowdy, sensible clothes, sensible shoes, has hair in a bun, wears glasses, and generally frowns upon all noise by employing the all-powerful "shush."    I'll address the "typical librarian look" in another post, but right now, let's focus on noise.

Think about your public library and consider this: is it always completely silent in the library?   The typical public library (and I am emphasizing public libraries here --- academic and special libraries are different beasts altogether) has activity going on.   At my library, there are usually programs all day - usually storytimes for children in the mornings, craft or gaming programs in the afternoons, and programs or classes for adults in the evenings.    We have a lively Circulation Desk, and a Reference Desk that sits right near a group of public computers.   While we are relatively quiet most of the time, there are moments where there is some noise, and that's not only expected, but it's also okay.    That doesn't mean we encourage screaming in the library.   However, we expect there to be some noise, as people do talk to each other, and to staff.   Staff speak to each other.   Cell phones do ring on occasion.

Amazing Librarian Nancy Pearl holding her "shushing" action figure

So where does the shushing come in?    Some people have an idea that there should be complete silence in a public library, and that the librarians are the enforcers of this rule.   To enforce such a thing, a librarian uses the power of a loud "Shush!" (or "Shhhhh!") and a furious glare at whoever is making a noise.    Nothing silences like a forceful shushing.


But is this reality?   Perhaps it is in some libraries.  As you can see from the photo, Librarian Nancy Pearl has her own action figure which has "shushing motion" ready to activate.   If you aren't familiar with Nancy Pearl, you can learn all about her here (she is awesome and amazing).    But is shushing really what I wish her action figure would do?   No, not really.


Because in my mind, real librarians don't shush.


In my library, the only time I ask someone to keep their voice down is if they are talking really loudly and making other people stare; in other words, being a distraction to everyone else around them.  But I don't shush.    That nasty "Shhhhh!" actually draws way more attention that the loud person, and sounds rude (not to mention the icky potential of spitting slightly whilst performing the shush).   I prefer a small hand gesture --- I put my right hand out, palm down, and move it slightly up and down while making eye contact with the loud person (or persons) --- and if needed, I modify this gesture slightly to indicate they need to lower their volume.   Works like a charm every time.   And, I don't distract everyone else around me, or call more attention that necessary.


I am not alone in the "no need to shush" behavior in my library --- no one shushes.   We all have our own, subtle ways to let people know they are being too loud.  And the funny thing is ---- I have had patrons shush others (with a loud, sibilant "Shhhhhhh!").   Somehow, they don't feel they can leave it up to the librarians to bring some control to the library.     


What our staff understand is that in our library, there's no way to have absolute silence everywhere in the library.   We do try to be quiet when speaking to patrons, and to each other, but at times, there is noise.  There's not much I can do when a patron comes up to the Reference Desk to ask for help, and they are hard of hearing.   If I need to speak up a bit, that's what I have to do.  If someone at a computer asks me for help, and I stand beside them to explain something, that's what I have to do.   People come in all the time and ask us about authors or books, and we talk to them.   And for the person who used to come in and glare at the librarians for doing this ---- glaring at us is not only irritating, but it doesn't encourage us to help you when you have a question.   I know it's hard to believe, but we can't do everything by telepathy.  

Phil Bradley's modified mug - much better!

Libraries are places where there is conversation, excitement, enthusiasm, laughter, and noise.  While we do try to keep things to a pretty low noise level, we understand that noise is part of what happens when people use and enjoy their library.   We don't need to shame people into silence via shushing ---- if we need to ask them to lower their voice a little, we employ subtle techniques (ninja librarians unite!).

Check out what Phil Bradley did to change up the original mug design.  I think it's much better, and more appropriate.



And that's today's Library Lagniappe.   As always, comments are very welcome!!!

Library Lagniappe --- all about the sharing (a/k/a interlibrary loan)

  Sundays always make a good time to have a little Library Lagniappe, I think.   Today, I want to focus on one of the services that many libraries (in the United States, at least) provide: interlibrary loan (often referred to as "ILL" -- a somewhat odd word that can lead to all sorts of expressions like "I'm chillin' while I'm ILL'in....")

Interlibrary loan is basically the sharing of materials between libraries.   If you want something, and your own local library doesn't have it, they can usually request it via interlibrary loan -- basically, asking another library to send whatever it is to your library so you may borrow it.   Pretty cool, huh?   And it's not limited to books.   Our library requests books, CDs, DVDs, and even journal articles (which is really helpful, since our article databases might not have everything as full-text).

How long has it been around?   Well, if you'd believe it, 1894.   A man named U.L. Lowell, a librarian at the University of California, Berkeley, sought permission to start this practice and was able to initiate the first ILL program, in partnership with the California State Library.   From there, is all started to expand and now, we have the system we use today.



How does it work?   For my library, when someone wants something, we start by checking libraries in a local system, since we're on their delivery route.  That's the fastest way for us to get materials, since delivery usually takes 5 days or less.    If we don't see it in the local system, however, we turn to WorldCat.   WorldCat is one of my favorite things.  I admit it -- I'm a geek.   But, WorldCat is this wonderful thing powered by OCLC (Online Computer Library Center), and if you look something up, you can instantly see all of the libraries that own that item.   WorldCat is the world's largest bibliographic database and contains more than 150 million different records that point to more than 1.4 billion physical and digital items (and in more than 470 languages).   Can you understand why I geek out over this?    Seriously, I could devote an entire post to WorldCat.


But anyway - on to the ILL process.   If it's not in our local system, we look up whatever it is in WorldCat.  WorldCat lists all the owning libraries in order of State -- beginning with Illinois (my state), and then listing any other holdings in other states (alphabetical by state).   Our library can request things from outside of Illinois, so this is really helpful to be able to see all libraries that own something just on one list.  I cannot imagine how long it would take, otherwise, to check all the different catalogs of libraries (and it would be a huge pain in the butt).    Once we know who owns the item (or article), since we're a member of OCLC, we go through a multi-step process to electronically send a request to a handful of libraries at once.   Whoever can send the item, replies and sends it to our library.  Depending on where that library is, it usually takes about 7 days for things to reach us.    Then, we contact the person who requested the item, and they come in and pick it up.  

Now, there are sometimes restrictions.  Some libraries have policies that they won't ask for things that they won't lend out, like audiovisual materials, or videogames.   Reference books usually don't qualify for interlibrary loan.  E-Books are kind of impossible to share (at least, right now).   And, due to cuts in funding, the process of loaning out materials can be restricted --- if your library is on some kind of delivery route, it's easier, but if you have to receive everything by US Mail, it can get expensive.   The other thing that affects ILLs is whether or not your library is part of an electronic ILL loan network -- like belonging to OCLC.   If you aren't a member of OCLC, it can be a bit more cumbersome to request things, although it is do-able.

Although it's not a perfect system, it's pretty darn good.   Being able to share things with other libraries allows us to not worry so much about having every single thing in the world in our own collection.   I work at a public library, and we're not too huge, so there's no way we could have, say, a large number of academic titles on obscure subjects.  But the nice thing is, usually there is some other library that does have what our patron needs, and all we need to do is ask.   Many libraries belong to a group called LVIS (Libraries Very Interested in Sharing), so about 95% of the time, it's completely free to have things sent to us.   Yes, completely free.  How cool is that?    Very cool.

So, the next time you don't see something at your library, don't walk away in disappointment --- ASK at your library's Reference Desk to see if they can ILL it for you (or at least try to).    

That's the Library Lagniappe for now.   If anyone has suggestions for a future topic, let me know!

Library Lagniappe --- what the heck is an MLIS?

What is an MLIS?  How do I get one?  Why would I want one?

You may have encountered this term before, if you've ever looked at ads for library positions, and wondered what it was.   Or, you may already know what it is.   Or, you may think it sounds like some kind of strange abbreviation --- Monkeys Like Illicit Sweets?  May Lunch Involve Sauerkraut?

An MLIS is a Master's in Information and Library Science, and is the required degree for many professional librarians in the United States.   It's also sometimes termed an MLS (Master's in Library Science), and the two are kinda the same (some schools call it MLIS, some call it MLS).  Basically, a lot of times, people just call it "library school."  To get an MLIS or MLS, you need to find an accredited school, which means a school which the ALA (American Library Association) has approved for the degree.   To get into a master's program, most schools require: a bachelor's degree, that you take the GRE (Graduate Records Examination), and .... a lot of money.    Sorry, but that last part seems to hold true no matter where you go to school --- getting a master's degree is usually pretty expensive.   The good news is that your bachelor's degree doesn't have to be in library science, but can be in anything.  In fact, a lot of schools encourage diversity in backgrounds, which makes for a lot of students from different backgrounds, but who all have a similar interest in libraries.

My MLIS is from  Dominican University in Illinois.   Illinois only has two schools that offer the MLIS: Dominican and the University of Illinois (Champaign-Urbana).   When I was in library school, they didn't have online classes at Dominican, which was a complete bummer, since it would have been nice to do classes on my own time, at home.  Instead, I worked a full day of work (7 am - 4:30 pm, sometimes with no lunch break) and then went to school at night.    While online classes would have been convenient, I'm glad all of my classes met physically, face-to-face.    Having to drive to school and attend class meant that I had a full commitment to going to school, and there was no way to slack off.  Face-to-face classes make for a lot of instant discussion and interaction, which, depending on the class, meant for some really interesting sessions.   Physical classes let you make friends that you can study with, and commiserate with -- and it lets you ask questions in class and get answers right away.    That being said, I would have enjoyed having one or two classes as online classes, because I didn't feel it was necessary to physically be in class to learn the material.

Since obtaining the degree, I have taken a few online courses to continue my education, and I've enjoyed them.  It's really nice to be able to take classes without needing to travel.    I chose Dominican over University of Illinois mainly because of the location.   U of I was less money, and had an online learning program (called the LEEP program), but at the time, required physical presence on campus for some sessions --- which would have necessitated me using up all of my vacation time from my job in the first two semesters.....   not an option for me, since I did not tell my employer that I was getting my degree (that's a whole 'nother story, which I may tell some other time).    I think online classes are great, but I wouldn't want to give up the physical classes, simply for the interaction that happens when you get together with a group of people to discuss things face-to-face.  However, online classes do allow people to get the degree who otherwise wouldn't be able to travel back and forth to class, or take the classes from an accredited school in another state --- which is very convenient.  

So that answers the first two questions: what is it? and how do I get one?     But maybe you're wondering -- why would I want an MLS?

Library positions for Librarians (Reference Librarians, Catalogers, Assistant Directors, and many others) usually require that you have the MLIS.    If you want a position that pays more money, you need the degree.   At least, most of the time --- there's no way to make a blanket statement for every single library, and every single position, but this seems to be the general way things go.   However -- don't despair if you would love to work in a library, but don't have the money or inclination to get a master's degree.    The other degree that you can get is a LTA, or Library Technical Assistant certificate.   Some library positions ask for an LTA, but others don't require any kind of degree at all.   Depending on the library, and the job, the required qualifications can really vary (which is why it's important to read any job descriptions carefully).    There's a great article I found which compares the MLS to an LTA, if you want to know more.

Ok -- enough lagniappe for now.   Comments and questions are welcome, as always, especially since I'll probably work them into future posts.   Thanks go out to Kelly, who commented last time and asked about my degree experience!

Introducing ..... Library Lagniappe

Welcome to my new semi-monthly post, Library Lagniappe, where I'll write a little bit about being a librarian, what libraries are all about, and more.

What does Lagniappe mean?   Per the Random House Dictionary:  

–noun

1.  Chiefly Southern Louisiana and Southeast Texas . a small gift given with a purchase to a customer, by way of compliment or for good measure; bonus.

 My favorite Cajun restaurant has a number of lagniappe, like corn muffins, sweet potato polenta, etc., and they just call it "a little somethin' extra."   So, these posts will be a little somethin' extra about libraries --- as a thank you to all of you who frequent your libraries.  

 So, let's start off with an introductory kind of post:   Why become a Librarian?  


Well, the easiest way for me to answer that question would be: I chose to change careers and become a Librarian because I wanted to use my knowledge and skills to help people.     And, I love books and reading, and I wanted to share that love and excitement with other people.   But, the real reason was that I wanted to have a career where I felt like what I did made some kind of difference.  You don't need to love books to be a Librarian (especially since there are all kinds of libraries and librarians).


I had worked in my high school library for an hour every day (I had a scholarship, which meant you worked somewhere on campus for an hour each day, and I was lucky enough to get the library 3 out of 4 years), and really loved it.   I had grown up as an avid book junkie, so working in a library meant I was surrounded by books, which was way cool.  But, I also got exposed to microfilm, and microfiche, and reference books.   But I didn't go to college intending to become a librarian.


Instead, I went to college with the intention of going on to law school.  My bachelor's degree is in Political Science, and I studied and took the LSAT and started looking at law schools.   However, right when I took the LSAT, a family member was starting law school (working 2 part-time jobs and going at night), and I thought .....  maybe I should wait and see how she does.   So, I got a job in a law firm as a legal assistant, and kept law school in the back of my mind.  After seeing my family member sweat it out through law school and the Bar exam (and rack up tons of loans), I decided I didn't want to go to law school.   I liked working at the law firm, and I had worked my way up in the ranks, and I was good at what I did.   But, after 3 law firms, and 10+ years in the same field of law, I was getting a little restless.   I never felt like what I did really helped anyone.   And, I was training new attorneys (and they were getting paid a lot more than I was).   But, I had a second, part-time job at a library, working at the Circulation Desk, and I loved it.   Unfortunately, the extra overtime required by my law-firm boss meant that after about a year, I had to quit the library.   Argh.......


However, I still went to the library all the time, as a patron and one day, my old boss at the library said, "Why don't you go to library school?  You would be a great librarian."    Library school?  Huh?   There's school for that?   I had no idea.    So, I did a little research (actually, a lot of research), and did a lot of thinking.    After all, a master's degree costs money (a lot of money, actually), and I would have to go at night........


And that's what I did.    I worked full-time at a horrible job during the day, then took night classes, and after 3 years of blood, sweat and a lot of tears, I obtained my Master's Degree.     I will say, the stress of it really made me into a not-very-nice person, so I really owe a lot to my saint of a husband for putting up with me.    But, once I had my degree, I could look for a job ...... and I found a great job at my local library.   Five years later, I still love what I do ---- I help people all the time, whether it's finding a book, or the next book in a series, or helping them to format a resume' and find a job (or figure out how to use email, even).      Would I make more money if I had stayed in my previous career?  Um .... yes.  Librarians don't usually make a ton of money compared to other jobs.   But, I don't feel any more like my job is sucking out my soul.   


And ..... I'm surrounded by books all the time.   That's a perk, too.  Actually, it's both a blessing and a curse sometimes.


There are a myriad of reasons why people choose to go to library school -- this is just my own story.   Thanks for bearing with my rambling on!!


More Library Lagniappe to come, including posts on what an MLS is, some of the different kinds of libraries, what we do all day, and more.