Review
What have you learned?
The library's Mission you explored earlier could be restated:
Find out what users need.
Get it.
Give it to them - fast.
And be nice!
How hard can it be?
It isn't always easy to figure out what people want or to find the best way to get it to them, but it's absolutely necessary. Libraries are service organizations. Providing quality service is challenging - but it's also rewarding.
Mission Impossible?
"Finding out what users need" is part of the challenge. It involves collection development - selection of materials by library staff who know their users and know sources of information about books, online materials, and the Internet.
"Getting it" involves acquiring and preparing the materials - processes you explored on the Technical Services, Classification and Call Number pages.
"Giving it to them" requires special programs or reference services (Public Services) and a Catalog to help users find and use the library's materials. This part also requires the supreme challenge of Asking The Right Questions! (Learn more about reference services and asking questions in ORE on the Web.)
"Being nice" is using common courtesy when working with Users, treating all patrons fairly and ethically, knowing the library's policies that acknowledge the rights and needs of users, and complying with library policies and Ohio law on Confidentiality.
You've learned some essentials for library survival for your first few days. But libraries change, technologies change, and users change. The need to learn will always be part of your library career.
What Now?
Complete the Activity, try the Explore section, and then go on to the next page: The Dreaded Quiz.
