13 Replies to “Deliver my books bitch.”

  1. Pingback: See Also… » Blog Archive » Librarian Avengers » Deliver my books bitch.
  2. You really hit the nail on the head with this one. With many online library services I find that not even the librarians in their own library have any idea what services they offer! Thank God the patrons are a little more savvy. Of course, there is a heavy reliance on that “Miracle happens here” moment… without that, great services go completely under- or un-used. If we could only devote a little of the committee time we devote to deciding what the link will say to thinking about how to make our services accessible, usable, and known to potential users… well, what can I say???

  3. Dari: I love getting those calls. There is a big difference between the friendly human face of the library (you) and the snarling digital face of the library (our OPACs and websites).

    Katie: Thanks dude. Glad to know I’m not too “overwrought” for everyone.

  4. Laura: Good to know that Yale bought the El Crappo-brand OPAC too. America’s finest minds and all.

    Of course, it’s easy to throw stones.

    Does anyone know of an OPAC provider that offers non-1990’s era interfaces? If so, are they hiring a User Experience Manager? If not, want to start a software company with me?

  5. Great blog. Just got the link from a friend today. I’ll have to look around more. I work part-time at my local library in the circulation dept. When I’m not checking in/checking out, I’m making call after call saying, “The book you requested is now in and will be held for one week for you to pick up.” Lots of answering machines to talk to. Then there’s the live voice and someone gushing, “Oh, thank you! I’ve been waiting for that!” Makes an otherwise routine job more rewarding, even though I played a small part in getting the item for them.

    There’s more handling involved in the requesting/delivery process than you’d think, at least for our 30+ member library system. As web usage grows, so does the amount of self-requesting online. Hoping that translates into job security!

  6. You SO have the same OPAC as us at Yale (it must be an Ivy League conspiracy). I am always glad to know that I have 9996 more book requests available to me. If only each one did not take as long as going to the various far-flung libraries and retrieving the books myself.

  7. Alexis: GRS is a great site. I enjoy their realistic approach to financial planning.

    Alie: It’s amazing how many librarians I know that don’t use libraries. We’re also the worst at returning our books on time. >:)

    Library Fan: Um, thanks.

  8. Your thoughts on this subject are a tad bit overwrought- I get the point. I think Cornell has been offering this service for maybe a couple of years. Just a tip, a little sass goes a long way…

  9. As a fellow librarian, I am now transferring pretty much all of my reading to the library. It makes sense for us since we actually work in a library and should take advantage of the services we provide! Plus, it’s delightful on the pocketbook.

  10. Thanks for the pointer to Get Rich Slowly. I’ve been transferring my Amazon wishlist to the library — better reading, and better on the pocketbook. I love libraries.

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