It has always been a dream of mine to work at a library.
So when I was offered a position in the circulation department of my
local library this past December, I jumped at the opportunity. Only the
reality was nothing like I expected. Not even my years as a patron,
library-lover, and advocate could have prepared me to face the things
they don’t tell you about working in a modern public library.
1. You do not get to read on the job.
Despite being surrounded by books, people who work in libraries rarely
have time to read on the job — except, of course, on break or during
story time.
2. Your customer service goes beyond reading recommendations — way beyond.
It also means showing them how to use the
photocopier or fax machine. (Yes, these do still exist.) It means
explaining the difference between MP3s and DVDs. It means explaining
what Twitter is and showing them how to sign up for an account.
3. The job is less about books and more about computers.
Registering new patrons, ordering books from other libraries, searching
the catalog, placing items on hold, checking books in or out — none of
this can be done in a modern library without the help of a computer or
the internet.
4. The library is rarely quiet.
Libraries are loud and vibrant places where people meet up to study,
talk about books, or just shoot the breeze. They’re the place where
playgroups meet up, where sing-along storytime takes place, where
special presenters bring in live animals of all shapes, sizes, and
noises.
5. The library phone is like a community helpline.
People call in to fact check trivia questions or settle a bet, to
get the phone number of local government offices or email addresses to
elected town officials, to find out why their DVD player isn’t working
or when taxes are due.
6. The library isn’t a house for books; it’s a home for the community.
For so many members of the community, the library is a second home. It
is where parents who homeschool their children come to find the
resources they need, and where public school teachers come for
supplemental educational materials. It’s where retirees meet up in the
morning to discuss local news and share a cup of coffee. It’s where
special needs groups congregate for group lessons and educational
outings. It’s where babysitters take kids to do homework or to hangout
with friends. It’s where nonprofits host their meetings and offer
community programing.
“The library isn’t a house for books; it’s a home for the community.”
As governments around the world become more and more repressive, as cops with the full arsenal of high-tech surveillance tools collude with fascists on a daily basis, and as the alt-right grows its’ army of basement-dwelling incel internet trolls, it has become immensely important for activists to practice good security culture. Here are a bunch of articles and resources to help you get started.
This blog is mostly so I can vent my feelings and share my interests. Other than that, I am nothing special.
If you don't like Left Wing political thought and philosophy, all things related to horror, the supernatural, the grotesque, guns or the strange, then get the fuck out. I just warned you.
