First Class

I can hardly believe I have a request to teach library tools to a class this early in the semester! The first week people barely have their feet on the ground much less need to know how to find scholarly information for a research paper.

Besides we need to help our student workers get up to speed at the Circ Desk, ILL and Reserves and used to a new routine. All this with my Circulation Supervisor out on leave and a new Evening Supervisor just beginning to learn the ropes. But there you have it. All aspects of my position coming into play at the same time, a rare but possible situation.

I have created an interactive presentation for our new students, asking them to guess how many books we have, how much we spend on resources, whether academic information is available through a Google search, etc. They vote online via our Turning Point Technology and can see immediately what their classmates think. They smile and play along good naturedly, little realizing that when they come to their first research paper, this stuff will help. We have a relaxed conversation.

Meanwhile, in the background, I am aware that the new student at the desk this hour will be encountering things she is not comfortable doing yet. Even simply answering the phone is a huge obstacle when you are unsure of yourself. We wrote out the greeting for them, and at least they have a place to begin.

I watch the typical reaction. Panic when the phone rings and they realize we are expecting them to answer. Hesitation and query - what do I do? A glance at the written patter, then they pick up and repeat the words. Pause. Long silence. Hand over the receiver, and an anxious explanation of the question to the staff person standing next to them. At which point the staff person takes over. Sigh of relief.

Soon they will handle these calls as a matter of course. And they will learn the answers quickly. Its just getting over that first hill. Same with the class. They are "reading the patter" today, but when the real drill hits, I will see the panic and hear the questions. Once they have worked through it for themselves, they will be good to go.

I'd like to think I will eventually work myself out of a job, but I know there are more new people to come. There's nothing like the personal assist the first time or two. Then they are off, just like a kid learning to ride a 2 wheeler, excited to be taking the first steps to freedom.