Finally, I have returned to the Jackson Library Reference Desk. :) I am scheduled to be here from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. It is a Saturday, and we are in the midst of Summer Session I, but I foresee a slow day. Let's see what the judges have to say about that shall we...
1. (10:43 a.m.) A patron wanted to know where the reading room was.
2. (11:08 a.m.) A patron needed a guest log in.
3. (11:08 a.m.) A patron needed a guest log in.
4. (11:18 a.m.) Patron from question 3 had a printing question.
5. (11:51 a.m.) Patron wanted to know where we keep the back issues of Golf Digest.
6. (12:11 p.m.) A student was looking for a book, Understanding Movies by Louis Gianneti.
7. (12:32 p.m.) A student was looking for books on ancient pottery.
A very slow shift as predicted, and not a single chat or phone call. Oh well, more fun will be had next time. :)
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Greensboro College Practicum, Day 4 (5/27/09)
I began my day at 9:00 a.m.
Jennie was working the afternoon/night shift, so she was not scheduled to come in until around 3:30 p.m. I spent this morning copy cataloging again using Unicorn WorkFlows by SirsiDynix. The records are downloaded from OCLC using the Smart Port wizard within this software program. After entering the ISBN number for the book I am working on I choose which record out of the ones provided is appropriate for use. I then capture and download the record. After the record is downloaded, I add the necessary extra fields and the bar code. I write the call number on the first page of the book in pencil, then I move on to the next book. I cataloged thirteen books before lunch.
After lunch I began working on some ILL requests that the library had received. I worked on that for the remainder of the afternoon, while helping Jennie man the reference desk.
I left the library at 6:30 p.m.
Jennie was working the afternoon/night shift, so she was not scheduled to come in until around 3:30 p.m. I spent this morning copy cataloging again using Unicorn WorkFlows by SirsiDynix. The records are downloaded from OCLC using the Smart Port wizard within this software program. After entering the ISBN number for the book I am working on I choose which record out of the ones provided is appropriate for use. I then capture and download the record. After the record is downloaded, I add the necessary extra fields and the bar code. I write the call number on the first page of the book in pencil, then I move on to the next book. I cataloged thirteen books before lunch.
After lunch I began working on some ILL requests that the library had received. I worked on that for the remainder of the afternoon, while helping Jennie man the reference desk.
I left the library at 6:30 p.m.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Greensboro College Practicum, Day 3 (5/26/09)
I arrived at the library today at 9:00 a.m.
Today I spent all day copy cataloging education books that had been donated to the Jones Library. I started the day by reviewing the copy cataloging part of the Sirsi Dynix manual. After I had re-read the copy cataloging section, Jennie showed me how she does the copy cataloging for the library. I was assigned my very own cataloger code (KQXC) and then I began copy cataloging. The first book I ever copy cataloged was called Getting to Got It by Betty K. Garner. I tried to put a link to it on here, but the library's catalog would not pull it up. However, if you search the catalog at http://www.greensborocollege.edu/library/ you will surely find it.
I'm so proud of myself I cannot hardly stand it. :) I cataloged a total of 19 books today. I'm not sure if that is a lot or an average amount for a cataloger or what. Anyhow, I am glad to be doing some real cataloging. :) Tomorrow I will be doing more of the same.
I left the library today at 4:00 p.m.
Today I spent all day copy cataloging education books that had been donated to the Jones Library. I started the day by reviewing the copy cataloging part of the Sirsi Dynix manual. After I had re-read the copy cataloging section, Jennie showed me how she does the copy cataloging for the library. I was assigned my very own cataloger code (KQXC) and then I began copy cataloging. The first book I ever copy cataloged was called Getting to Got It by Betty K. Garner. I tried to put a link to it on here, but the library's catalog would not pull it up. However, if you search the catalog at http://www.greensborocollege.edu/library/ you will surely find it.
I'm so proud of myself I cannot hardly stand it. :) I cataloged a total of 19 books today. I'm not sure if that is a lot or an average amount for a cataloger or what. Anyhow, I am glad to be doing some real cataloging. :) Tomorrow I will be doing more of the same.
I left the library today at 4:00 p.m.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Greensboro College Practicum, Day 2 (5/21/09)
I began my day at 9:00 a.m.
This morning I worked with Unicorn WorkFlows which is the Jones Library's cataloging software. It is a product produced by SirsiDynix. After I read through the Cataloging and Authority Control training guide I began to explore the program. I pulled up some MARC records with it, and studied them to compare which fields were used and which were omitted. When I felt comfortable, I created a MARC record of my own from some books we will be cataloging this summer. The Jones Library is having problems with Classweb, so I used WorldCat to access classification information. From there I was able to compare the record I had created to other libraries' records.
After lunch Jennie and I went down to cover the reference desk. From there Jennie let me take care of the ILL requests that had came in this morning. Using FirstSearch I located and requested the books that a professor needed for his summer research. I also prepared a book to be sent out to a requesting library. Also during that time two professors came in to pick up books they had requested through ILL.
When we were finished covering the reference desk, Jennie and I went up to her office so she could look over the MARC records for the books I had cataloged. My records were all correct. Jennie then walked me through different aspects of Unicorn WorkFlows. She showed me a template that I will be using later when we catalog the theses.
After Jennie left, I continued to work with Unicorn WorkFlows and I also read over the TSARS manual that Jennie made available to me. TSARS stands for Technical Services and Resources. It is a group of technical services librarians that represent each of the NC-PALS institutions. The TSARS manual goes over different rules or standards for using WorkFlows at one of the NC-PALS institutions. Different NC-PALS institutions are assigned different MARC fields for different uses. Greensboro College is assigned fields 970-979.) Each institution is given a "call number" to represent it. (Greensboro College's is KQX.)
I left the library at 5:30 p.m.
This morning I worked with Unicorn WorkFlows which is the Jones Library's cataloging software. It is a product produced by SirsiDynix. After I read through the Cataloging and Authority Control training guide I began to explore the program. I pulled up some MARC records with it, and studied them to compare which fields were used and which were omitted. When I felt comfortable, I created a MARC record of my own from some books we will be cataloging this summer. The Jones Library is having problems with Classweb, so I used WorldCat to access classification information. From there I was able to compare the record I had created to other libraries' records.
After lunch Jennie and I went down to cover the reference desk. From there Jennie let me take care of the ILL requests that had came in this morning. Using FirstSearch I located and requested the books that a professor needed for his summer research. I also prepared a book to be sent out to a requesting library. Also during that time two professors came in to pick up books they had requested through ILL.
When we were finished covering the reference desk, Jennie and I went up to her office so she could look over the MARC records for the books I had cataloged. My records were all correct. Jennie then walked me through different aspects of Unicorn WorkFlows. She showed me a template that I will be using later when we catalog the theses.
After Jennie left, I continued to work with Unicorn WorkFlows and I also read over the TSARS manual that Jennie made available to me. TSARS stands for Technical Services and Resources. It is a group of technical services librarians that represent each of the NC-PALS institutions. The TSARS manual goes over different rules or standards for using WorkFlows at one of the NC-PALS institutions. Different NC-PALS institutions are assigned different MARC fields for different uses. Greensboro College is assigned fields 970-979.) Each institution is given a "call number" to represent it. (Greensboro College's is KQX.)
I left the library at 5:30 p.m.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Greensboro College Practicum, Day 1 (5/20/09)
Today I began my practicum at Greensboro College. I am working in Technical Services at the James Addison Jones Library with Technical Services Librarian Jennie Hunt. Jennie is a graduate of UNCG's Library and Information Studies program, and a long time friend. She has hosted many library interns over her nine plus years at Greensboro College.
I arrived today at 9:00 a.m. Jennie and I had a brief conversation about cataloging and librarianship in her office before she gave me a tour of the library. We also discussed what I will be doing this summer. Among other things, Jennie has a box of bound theses that need cataloging. We will be doing original cataloging with those theses. Jennie is handling interlibrary loan this summer so I also plan to learn the ins and outs of an ILL librarian's job.
The James Addison Jones Library is a small academic library with only four floors of stacks. The library has recently converted one of their front rooms in order to house their serials collection. This room will also house a coffee bar when the Fall semester begins.
Today Jennie and I worked in interlibrary loans. I learned how ILLs are requested, received, and returned. The Jones Library uses OCLC for all of their ILL transactions. Jennie also keeps a separate spreadsheet to keep track of all the ILLs that are coming into or going out of the library. I assisted Jennie with preparing some ILL books to return to their respective libraries. We also filled a few lending requests from other libraries.
Jennie left at 4:00 p.m. today, and after she left I was going to familiarize myself with Classweb. However, the password I had would not work, and so I decided to browse OCLC FirstSearch instead. I left the library at 6:15 p.m.
I arrived today at 9:00 a.m. Jennie and I had a brief conversation about cataloging and librarianship in her office before she gave me a tour of the library. We also discussed what I will be doing this summer. Among other things, Jennie has a box of bound theses that need cataloging. We will be doing original cataloging with those theses. Jennie is handling interlibrary loan this summer so I also plan to learn the ins and outs of an ILL librarian's job.
The James Addison Jones Library is a small academic library with only four floors of stacks. The library has recently converted one of their front rooms in order to house their serials collection. This room will also house a coffee bar when the Fall semester begins.
Today Jennie and I worked in interlibrary loans. I learned how ILLs are requested, received, and returned. The Jones Library uses OCLC for all of their ILL transactions. Jennie also keeps a separate spreadsheet to keep track of all the ILLs that are coming into or going out of the library. I assisted Jennie with preparing some ILL books to return to their respective libraries. We also filled a few lending requests from other libraries.
Jennie left at 4:00 p.m. today, and after she left I was going to familiarize myself with Classweb. However, the password I had would not work, and so I decided to browse OCLC FirstSearch instead. I left the library at 6:15 p.m.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Blog Part Deux
Today I officially became president of LISSA. As a result, I had to open a Wordpress account (jrwhicker.wordpress.com) so that I may access the LISSA blog, Lissaland. I do not like it. Wordpress is not as easy to use as Blogger. I'm sure I will get used to it soon enough, but for now I loathe it. It took me 20 minutes to figure out how to change the name of the blog.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Reference Questions 5/4/09
This is my last evening on the reference desk for the semester. I will return to work some weekends this summer. Today is also the last day of classes. There are not many people in the reference department right now, could be a slow night.
1. A student was working on a annotated bibliography on music and memory/the mind. He needed 10 additional sources. I was able to find some really good books and articles for him.
2. A patron needed to know where the restroom was.
3. We have Yogurt Cream Hershey Kisses sitting on the desk and a student walked by and asked if she could have one. :)
4. A student wanted to know if getting an "I" in a class would effect his GPA.
5. A student needed a paper clip.
6. (Chat) A student wanted to know if they could still look at a reserve book if they didn't have their ID. I told them they needed to call the circulation desk, because I wasn't sure what their policy was on that.
7. A student wanted to leave his books on the reference desk while he went to smoke.
8. A student needed criticisms on the book The Life and Extraordinary Adventures of Private Ivan Chonkin by Vladimir Voinovich.
9. A patron needed a guest log in for a computer.
10. A student wanted a Hershey Kiss. :)
11. A student needed books on dream symbolism.
12. (Chat) A student wanted to know when the library was offering free coffee. They do during exam week every semester. This semester it is on Wednesday, May 6 and Thursday May 7 starting at 9:30 p.m. The student then wanted to have an emoticon war, and accused me of flirting. Oh, well Irma can't even be friendly with having accusations thrown at her.
13. A student had a suggestion. He suggested that we put Purell dispensers in the reference department to cut down on germs from the computers. Actual, not a bad idea.
14. A student needed to borrow one of the golf pencils.
15. A student needed books on dream symbolism for a paper he was writing.
16. A student needed books and articles on drugs and African-American women.
17. The student from #11 was looking for the book The Master & Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov.
18. (Chat) A student had a question about how to access an e-book.
There were lots of questions tonight, but most of them were short and very easy. I only got 3 questions the first hour I was here. It began to pick up some after that.
I shall return this summer. :)
1. A student was working on a annotated bibliography on music and memory/the mind. He needed 10 additional sources. I was able to find some really good books and articles for him.
2. A patron needed to know where the restroom was.
3. We have Yogurt Cream Hershey Kisses sitting on the desk and a student walked by and asked if she could have one. :)
4. A student wanted to know if getting an "I" in a class would effect his GPA.
5. A student needed a paper clip.
6. (Chat) A student wanted to know if they could still look at a reserve book if they didn't have their ID. I told them they needed to call the circulation desk, because I wasn't sure what their policy was on that.
7. A student wanted to leave his books on the reference desk while he went to smoke.
8. A student needed criticisms on the book The Life and Extraordinary Adventures of Private Ivan Chonkin by Vladimir Voinovich.
9. A patron needed a guest log in for a computer.
10. A student wanted a Hershey Kiss. :)
11. A student needed books on dream symbolism.
12. (Chat) A student wanted to know when the library was offering free coffee. They do during exam week every semester. This semester it is on Wednesday, May 6 and Thursday May 7 starting at 9:30 p.m. The student then wanted to have an emoticon war, and accused me of flirting. Oh, well Irma can't even be friendly with having accusations thrown at her.
13. A student had a suggestion. He suggested that we put Purell dispensers in the reference department to cut down on germs from the computers. Actual, not a bad idea.
14. A student needed to borrow one of the golf pencils.
15. A student needed books on dream symbolism for a paper he was writing.
16. A student needed books and articles on drugs and African-American women.
17. The student from #11 was looking for the book The Master & Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov.
18. (Chat) A student had a question about how to access an e-book.
There were lots of questions tonight, but most of them were short and very easy. I only got 3 questions the first hour I was here. It began to pick up some after that.
I shall return this summer. :)
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Reference Questions 5/2/09
The first posting of May and my last Saturday shift of the Spring semester. Holly says it has been slow, so I think I'll work on some book slips while I am on the desk. You're jealous, I know. My husband tagged along with me so that he could go to the Rec Center and workout. I'm sure he'll be in here later to bother me.
1. My husband wanted to know the name of ACRL's journal. It is called College and Research Libraries.
2. My husband wanted to know how to get to the basement.
3. (Chat) A student was looking for articles on women's liberation
4. A student wanted to know where the magazines were.
5. (Phone) Someone wanted to know the release date for the song Poison Ivy by The Coasters. He mumbled terribly so it took me a good 3 minutes or so to just discern that information from him. He even sang the chorus of the song a few times. I found the date that it first appeared on the Billboard charts, but that was not good enough. He needed the day it was released. He then wanted my name, I of course gave him a false one, and he said he would be calling back. Great.
6. A student wanted to know what time the library closed.
7. A student needed a music dictionary or encyclopedia.
8. A student was having trouble locating an article in the journal Discourse & Society.
9. (Phone) The patron from #5 called back and wanted to know if I had found anything else out about the release date of the song. I told him I had not. He continued to mumble on about the song (at least he didn't sing it again) and then wished me a nice evening and said goodbye.
10. A student (the one from #7) wanted to know what time the library closed. Then he wanted to confirm that he could make copies over in front of the circulation desk.
11. #7 was back again and wanted to know when the library closed on Sunday.
12. A student wanted to know if he could use the stapler on the reference desk.
13. A student wanted to confirm that the library closed at 10:00 p.m.
14. (Chat) A student wanted find information on the use of the song "Amazing Grace" during the Civil Rights Movement. I was on this chat for nearly 30 minutes and could not find an answer. All I could find were articles on its connection to abolition. I referred her to the subject specialist for Music.
15. (Phone) A student wanted to know what time the library closed.
16. A student was looking for articles from the New York Times from 1998.
17. The student from #16, was having problems with her Novell password.
I got zero questions the for the first hour I was on the desk. What could have been a slow afternoon turned into a fairly steady afternoon. Monday is my last night on the reference desk for the Spring 2009 semester. :) I will be working the desk some weekends, so I won't be too rusty come Fall semester.
1. My husband wanted to know the name of ACRL's journal. It is called College and Research Libraries.
2. My husband wanted to know how to get to the basement.
3. (Chat) A student was looking for articles on women's liberation
4. A student wanted to know where the magazines were.
5. (Phone) Someone wanted to know the release date for the song Poison Ivy by The Coasters. He mumbled terribly so it took me a good 3 minutes or so to just discern that information from him. He even sang the chorus of the song a few times. I found the date that it first appeared on the Billboard charts, but that was not good enough. He needed the day it was released. He then wanted my name, I of course gave him a false one, and he said he would be calling back. Great.
6. A student wanted to know what time the library closed.
7. A student needed a music dictionary or encyclopedia.
8. A student was having trouble locating an article in the journal Discourse & Society.
9. (Phone) The patron from #5 called back and wanted to know if I had found anything else out about the release date of the song. I told him I had not. He continued to mumble on about the song (at least he didn't sing it again) and then wished me a nice evening and said goodbye.
10. A student (the one from #7) wanted to know what time the library closed. Then he wanted to confirm that he could make copies over in front of the circulation desk.
11. #7 was back again and wanted to know when the library closed on Sunday.
12. A student wanted to know if he could use the stapler on the reference desk.
13. A student wanted to confirm that the library closed at 10:00 p.m.
14. (Chat) A student wanted find information on the use of the song "Amazing Grace" during the Civil Rights Movement. I was on this chat for nearly 30 minutes and could not find an answer. All I could find were articles on its connection to abolition. I referred her to the subject specialist for Music.
15. (Phone) A student wanted to know what time the library closed.
16. A student was looking for articles from the New York Times from 1998.
17. The student from #16, was having problems with her Novell password.
I got zero questions the for the first hour I was on the desk. What could have been a slow afternoon turned into a fairly steady afternoon. Monday is my last night on the reference desk for the Spring 2009 semester. :) I will be working the desk some weekends, so I won't be too rusty come Fall semester.
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