Skills for reference staff -Reply

[Byron C. Mayes]

On Mon, 11 Aug 1997, KAREN SCHNEIDER wrote:

[snip of stuff to which I'd say "me, too"]

> As for the library professor posing the "power down" scenario... 
> If the computers are down in this library, we tell folks we can't do
> much except write down their questions and call them back later.
> I'm not too enthralled with the idea  that a "good" library can
> support older technologies if that isn't relevant to its environment.
>  What are we supposed to do, put the Internet on microfiche and
> then view it with candlelight readers?   If we can't search the
> cmputer, we can't search the catalog; most of what we want is
> online; even if we can find a little--we know we're missing the
> bulk of hte information we're seeking.

I submit that the same holds true in academia where we (do* have a supply of
paper indices. Ever try to tell a bunch of undergrads that they ccan't
search Readers Guide or Music Index on disc "but you can use the hard copy
right here!"? The eyes glaze over faster than Krispy Kreme, and they simply
say they'll come back later. 

Of course, if the power's really out, the lights are out, too, and some Ref
rooms (like at Juilliard where I am) have no windows (the kind that let in
light, not the Darkness of Microsoft kind). *Now* help your patrons! 

Byron

 Byron C. Mayes                            **         Generic Haiku...
 bcmayes at panix.com                         **      Five syllables here,
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