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A Scattered Process

© Paul Landkamer

I had an article about book-hoarders and support groups and the like, ready for March. I even started a Harry Potter versus The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings versus Chronicles of Narnia article. It boiled down to fanatics versus fanatics. All this changed when I had an idea of distributing a questionnaire to library employees working at the libraries my courier route serves.

You may have noticed a change in the way I've organized my links to other library-related sites. This is due to numerous additions stemming, in part, from the questionnaires. I'd appreciate any more input I can get. If you'd care to help out, please e-mail your answers to me at ognyen@yahoo.com. The information I'm after is simple and non-threatening, and is as follows:

• Name (optional)
• Library Branch (optional --some location would be nice.)
• Job Title
• Description of Duties
• What's the most important part of your job?
• What's the most enjoyable part of your job?
• What's the least enjoyable part of your job?
• What other library-related jobs have you had?
• How long have you worked in library-related fields?
• Why did you select library-related employment?
• What would you like to see at a library-related website like this one?
• Other Comments

I'm a bookmobile driver/clerk, and the courier for my library system (which makes four connective stops to outside libraries). My duties include the obvious driving, as well as lots of actual library-work. I've started training for circulation desk, inter-library loans, minor computer-maintenance and more. I also perform minor building and grounds maintenance.

I feel the most important part of my job is to be available and to make our patrons (and, of course, my bosses) happy. The most enjoyable part of the job is being able to find books patrons like, and to see their happiness at receiving them. I think the least enjoyable part of my job is processing second and third overdue notices (see earlier article on the topic).

Other library-related jobs: I worked for nearly ten years in a military technical order library. I worked there as a librarian, then, what in a public library is known as, a director, and in processing. I also sold Usborne Books for a while, until I got my present job. I have a Master of Arts in history, which kept me in libraries for a considerable amount of time, as well.

I selected library-related employment for the obvious reason of love of books. I could have loved books as a hobby, but my love for books was such that I needed to share it. I also had applications pending at bookstores at the time I got my library job. I found, after I started, that I also like the atmosphere.