Dear diary,
I had a formal induction at the library today, because I didn't get one on Saturday, seeing as it was a weekend and all. When I got to work (I'm still adjusting to calling the library that now!) I met Boudecia at the front desk. Before I could even say 'hello' she started firing questions at me rapidly, to test how much I'd learnt from training.
Her: How many community languages are in our community language section?
Me: Um, 5? (Phew!)
Her: Correct. Where would I find books on Carpentry?
Me: Uh... um... 6... 694? (Help!)
Her: Good. Why are the 020's considered sacred?
Me: Eh... oh wait, that's... because the books are about libraries? (Please don't kill me!)
Her: Affirmative. How many books in the Stephanie Plum series do we have on the catalogue?Me: 16! (I swear I guessed that one.)
Her: Intriguing... That's... correct.
Next she handed me a red blindfold and told me to put it on. I gingerly accepted it, worried that this initiation was going to be worse than Scouts. As I wrapped it over my eyes and tied it fast I wondered if they'd ask me to swear by the book. Boudecia told me to take her hand, and on the second grab I found it. She walked and I obediently followed. She led me around the library, dodging obstacles the same way she had when I first met her. At one corner she swung too close and I nicked a shelf. I held my tongue and bore the pain for the remainder of the darkened journey.
All of a sudden the blindfold was removed. I blinked at the lights and waited a few moments to get my eyes to readjust to colour vision. When they did I found myself in the staffroom surrounded by librarians, library techs and officers, and fellow shelvers. One by one they approached me, some shaking my hand, others simply nodding understandingly at my recent plight.
There are nine of us working in the library. Talia and I are the only shelvers, so the pledge I made when I joined the Shelvation Army seems a bit lame now. Boudecia (or as she prefers to be called, Mrs. Jones) is in charge of pretty much everything to do with the library. There are six other staff members: Bron, the community languages librarian who looks like she's a mix of everything; Sylvia, the AV services technician who claims she's never read a book in her life; Goldie, the acquisitions librarian who wears so much bling she radiates light like the sun; and Ernesto, the mysterious reference librarian; TJ the DJ (in charge of teenage services); and Pepper, who's in charge of children's services and smiles a lot.
After being introduced to everyone Pepper presented me a gift-wrapped box of chocolates, which I thought was really nice. When I thanked her she blushed deep crimson and giggled. A little weird but hey, I got chocolates so I'm happy.
Surprisingly, the shift I had after that was uneventful. I felt happy to sit back and enjoy the ride, to just go wherever the trolley took me. The libray and I got off to a bad start, but I think we'll be able to reconcile our differences and both have a pleasurable time together. Bye for now.
Monday, October 29, 2007
Saturday, October 27, 2007
#3 Initiation
Dear diary,
After the intensive training in the arts of shelving, I was extremely nervous about starting my first shift today at the library. So much could go wrong. I might misshelve the 610's and kids looking up books on how the body works would find the Karma Sutra instead. I might push a book on the top shelf too far, causing the other side of the shelf to collapse and crush someone underneath. The wheels on my trolley might squeak too loudly and bring a stressed-out student studying in the carrels to the verge of a mental breakdown.
I took several deep breaths and thought back to what my psychologist told me. "Your first day might have a few minor hiccups but nothing really severe will happen. It's all in your mind." Of course, how stupid of me. I'd gotten myself all worked up about nothing. It would most likely be an uneventful first day. A wonderfully dull, gloriously tedious 3-hour shift.
Or so I thought.
The moment I walked through the door I knew I wouldn't get that boredom I'd been hoping for. Young kids were running around the library, and without fal they managed to knock books off every shelf they passed, leaving a path of destruction in the wake. The queues at the front desk stretched into the large-print section, and the phones were ringing nonstop. The staff at the desk were both frantically trying to serve patrons and juggle several enquiry calls. Then I saw the trolleys, each of them stacked to bursting point with returns and in-house strays. It was a nightmare.
As I stumbled, bewlildered, into the front desk zone I felt a tap on my shoulder. Turning around I saw a overly friendly-looking girl with squarerimmed glasses beaming at me. She introduced hersefl as Talia, another shelver, and gestured to a trolley. Understandingly I took the handles and pushed, and on the second try it lurched forward slowly and we headed off into the shelves.
The next three hours was a blur, there was so much else occupying my mind. I can remember a few things, such as finding a bundle of books in one of the carrels which had shredded pages, and I had to deliver them to Bron the library officer for triage. I can also recall Talia and I herding a pack of youngsters into the local history room with our trolleys then locking the door, so at least the damage to the library would be localised.
I don't think I would've made it through that shift without Talia to guide me. She's been working at the library as a shelver for five years, and founded the Shelvation Army Code, which is a promise all shelvers make to stand up for each other and help one another out when in trouble. She's also th shelver-librarian liaison - the person who sits in on library staff members and makes sure shelvers have a voice in decisions about the library (though she jokes, all voices have to be kept quiet in the library).
If every day is like today... *shudders* I don't even want to think about that. I just know that I've always wanted to work in a library, so no matter what I'm going to have to persevere at my job. Wish me luck!
After the intensive training in the arts of shelving, I was extremely nervous about starting my first shift today at the library. So much could go wrong. I might misshelve the 610's and kids looking up books on how the body works would find the Karma Sutra instead. I might push a book on the top shelf too far, causing the other side of the shelf to collapse and crush someone underneath. The wheels on my trolley might squeak too loudly and bring a stressed-out student studying in the carrels to the verge of a mental breakdown.
I took several deep breaths and thought back to what my psychologist told me. "Your first day might have a few minor hiccups but nothing really severe will happen. It's all in your mind." Of course, how stupid of me. I'd gotten myself all worked up about nothing. It would most likely be an uneventful first day. A wonderfully dull, gloriously tedious 3-hour shift.
Or so I thought.
The moment I walked through the door I knew I wouldn't get that boredom I'd been hoping for. Young kids were running around the library, and without fal they managed to knock books off every shelf they passed, leaving a path of destruction in the wake. The queues at the front desk stretched into the large-print section, and the phones were ringing nonstop. The staff at the desk were both frantically trying to serve patrons and juggle several enquiry calls. Then I saw the trolleys, each of them stacked to bursting point with returns and in-house strays. It was a nightmare.
As I stumbled, bewlildered, into the front desk zone I felt a tap on my shoulder. Turning around I saw a overly friendly-looking girl with squarerimmed glasses beaming at me. She introduced hersefl as Talia, another shelver, and gestured to a trolley. Understandingly I took the handles and pushed, and on the second try it lurched forward slowly and we headed off into the shelves.
The next three hours was a blur, there was so much else occupying my mind. I can remember a few things, such as finding a bundle of books in one of the carrels which had shredded pages, and I had to deliver them to Bron the library officer for triage. I can also recall Talia and I herding a pack of youngsters into the local history room with our trolleys then locking the door, so at least the damage to the library would be localised.
I don't think I would've made it through that shift without Talia to guide me. She's been working at the library as a shelver for five years, and founded the Shelvation Army Code, which is a promise all shelvers make to stand up for each other and help one another out when in trouble. She's also th shelver-librarian liaison - the person who sits in on library staff members and makes sure shelvers have a voice in decisions about the library (though she jokes, all voices have to be kept quiet in the library).
If every day is like today... *shudders* I don't even want to think about that. I just know that I've always wanted to work in a library, so no matter what I'm going to have to persevere at my job. Wish me luck!
Thursday, October 25, 2007
#2 Training
Dear diary,
Wow, being a shelver requires a lot more training than I thought it would! It feels as though I've been dragged through boot camp for the past three days. I've barely had a moment to rest before my mobile BLEEPs telling me I'm needed at the library for more training. Please kill me now!
What happened was, on Tuesday I drove to the library for my first day of training. I'd always assumed that shelving just required you to know how to put books in alphanumeric order; pretty basic stuff really. But I was wrong.
I walked up to the front desk to let them know who I was, but stopped just as I reached the counter. The timid woman behind the counter glanced nervously at me, looked me up and down, then tilted her head towards the back of the library. I broke eye contact - if you do it with dogs they feel less intimidated - and started to walk towards the staffroom. I heard a faint whisper of "poor boy, so young" as I waltzed away from the desk.
The Head Librarian was waiting for me at the door to the staffroom. Without saing a word she grabbed me by the shirt and pulled me along behind her. She deftly wove between mountains of books and the odd member of staff as we made way to her office. Once inside, she flung me into a hardbacked chair and sat on her computer hair directly in front of me. It was only then that I got a good look at the ominous figure who was to be my new boss.
The feature that stood out most was her glasses. They were narrow-rimmed, so much so that you could barely make them out. They perched precariously on the tip of her nose, threatening to fall off at the slightest movement. I dared not breathe. Her eyes were piercing, slicing through me like a knife through soft butter. The wrinkles on her long, thin face gave the impression of rock strata. Staring into this woman's face was like a history of the earth's crust; deep-down she was probably fossilised.
Her once-shiny but now dullen nametag said "Boudecia Jones". I mustered every reserve of energy just to smile, and managed to squeak out a low "hello". No response. This was going to be tough.
Ms. Boudecia Jones, Head Librarian evenually began a lengthy monologue about the library rules and my new duties and so on, while I sat plastered to the chair, afraid to even blink in the face of this formiddable woman. Her never left mine for the entire three hour duration of her uninterrupted speech. Every now and then she would fire a question at me, to which I would respond as truthfully (and more importantly, as quickly) as possible.
Finally she rose from her chair - it was like when an adder puffs up before striking its prey. She struck out her hand and I tentatively took it in a handshake. My hand was crushed between her fingers of granite. Ms. Jones turned and marched out of the door, beckoning me to follow. Cradling my injured appendage I followed.
For the next three hours I was instructed to: memorise the Dewey Decimal System, learn the complex check-in system, memorise small sections of the catalogue, order books on the trolleys, learn the layout of the library (complete with building design blueprints), shelve the books, collect stray items from around the library, shelf-read, learn to recognise when books were incorrectly catalogued, and on top of that, memorise the procedures manual from cove to cover.
Of course, I didn't get anywhere near that much done, which is why my training went for an additional two days. I only got out of for tomorrow because I have an appointment with a psychologist - work-related stress, already - but even getting that cleared took half an hour of bargaining and pleading for mercy. Every time I did something she didn't like, such as mistakenly interfiling junior with teenage fiction (the very thought of it) or accidentally dropping a talking book on my foot (blasphemy), earned me a glaring look of distinct disapproval.
I am so beaten right now I just want to collapse. I'm not excited about my first actual shift; I don't even know what day it'll be. I'd always thought working in a library would be a nice, cushy job which was laidback and friendly. I think I made a mistake...
Wow, being a shelver requires a lot more training than I thought it would! It feels as though I've been dragged through boot camp for the past three days. I've barely had a moment to rest before my mobile BLEEPs telling me I'm needed at the library for more training. Please kill me now!
What happened was, on Tuesday I drove to the library for my first day of training. I'd always assumed that shelving just required you to know how to put books in alphanumeric order; pretty basic stuff really. But I was wrong.
I walked up to the front desk to let them know who I was, but stopped just as I reached the counter. The timid woman behind the counter glanced nervously at me, looked me up and down, then tilted her head towards the back of the library. I broke eye contact - if you do it with dogs they feel less intimidated - and started to walk towards the staffroom. I heard a faint whisper of "poor boy, so young" as I waltzed away from the desk.
The Head Librarian was waiting for me at the door to the staffroom. Without saing a word she grabbed me by the shirt and pulled me along behind her. She deftly wove between mountains of books and the odd member of staff as we made way to her office. Once inside, she flung me into a hardbacked chair and sat on her computer hair directly in front of me. It was only then that I got a good look at the ominous figure who was to be my new boss.
The feature that stood out most was her glasses. They were narrow-rimmed, so much so that you could barely make them out. They perched precariously on the tip of her nose, threatening to fall off at the slightest movement. I dared not breathe. Her eyes were piercing, slicing through me like a knife through soft butter. The wrinkles on her long, thin face gave the impression of rock strata. Staring into this woman's face was like a history of the earth's crust; deep-down she was probably fossilised.
Her once-shiny but now dullen nametag said "Boudecia Jones". I mustered every reserve of energy just to smile, and managed to squeak out a low "hello". No response. This was going to be tough.
Ms. Boudecia Jones, Head Librarian evenually began a lengthy monologue about the library rules and my new duties and so on, while I sat plastered to the chair, afraid to even blink in the face of this formiddable woman. Her never left mine for the entire three hour duration of her uninterrupted speech. Every now and then she would fire a question at me, to which I would respond as truthfully (and more importantly, as quickly) as possible.
Finally she rose from her chair - it was like when an adder puffs up before striking its prey. She struck out her hand and I tentatively took it in a handshake. My hand was crushed between her fingers of granite. Ms. Jones turned and marched out of the door, beckoning me to follow. Cradling my injured appendage I followed.
For the next three hours I was instructed to: memorise the Dewey Decimal System, learn the complex check-in system, memorise small sections of the catalogue, order books on the trolleys, learn the layout of the library (complete with building design blueprints), shelve the books, collect stray items from around the library, shelf-read, learn to recognise when books were incorrectly catalogued, and on top of that, memorise the procedures manual from cove to cover.
Of course, I didn't get anywhere near that much done, which is why my training went for an additional two days. I only got out of for tomorrow because I have an appointment with a psychologist - work-related stress, already - but even getting that cleared took half an hour of bargaining and pleading for mercy. Every time I did something she didn't like, such as mistakenly interfiling junior with teenage fiction (the very thought of it) or accidentally dropping a talking book on my foot (blasphemy), earned me a glaring look of distinct disapproval.
I am so beaten right now I just want to collapse. I'm not excited about my first actual shift; I don't even know what day it'll be. I'd always thought working in a library would be a nice, cushy job which was laidback and friendly. I think I made a mistake...
Sunday, October 21, 2007
#1 Accepted!
Dear diary,
At long last my dream has come true! I'm going to work in a library!
I sent off my application to become a shelver at my local lirary five months ago. I wasn't really expecting anything because for the past four years I've been sending them a copy of my resume every six months, and not one single letter or phone call, not even to say sorry, we're full, better luck next time. So my expectations were pretty low this time around.
Then yesterday I was sitting in the loungeroom playing World of Warcraft on my notebook when I heard a rustle of feathers, followed by a THUD!. Cautiously I got up from the armchair and walked towards the window, where the noise had come from. A quick scan revealed nothing, and I was about to turn back when I heard another THUD!, this time lower down.
Horror movies never taught me anything. I opened the window and leaned forward to get a good view of what was down there. As I peered out the window, an owl fluttered up at my face. I landed on my back as it landed on the sill. It had a yellow envelope in its mouth and a slightly mad gleam in its eye. I stood up, patted the nocturnal killer on the head adoringly and tore open the letter.
"Dear Jay,
Congratulations! You have been accepted to work at the Library Service as a shelver. We thank you for your patience in the lateness of this letter. A position has recently become available due to an unfortunate work-related accident which has prevented a former shelver from working, let alone walking. Please find enclosed a detailed list of the Library Rules. Pay special attention to Rule 14.56.8 Sub-section 6.1A Clause 2, which deals with your new responsibilities.
Please call the library to accept this position. Your training shall begin at 1300 hours Tuesday 23rd October. We hope to see you there.
Yours sincerely,
The Library Staff"
I was so excited when I read this that I could hardly breathe. I have loved libraries as long as I can remember. My first word was 'book'. I memorised the Dewey Decimal System before I learned my times tables. Each time I walked into one was a new adventure, a new horizon to seek.
I called the library immediately and accepted. It took me five tries as each time someone answered the phone I got so excited I could only squeal into the phone. The librarian was really annoyed by the end, so after I hung up I sent the owl back to the library with a box of chocolates and an apologetic note.
So, I'm an official shelver now. Can't wait to see what working in a library is really like...
At long last my dream has come true! I'm going to work in a library!
I sent off my application to become a shelver at my local lirary five months ago. I wasn't really expecting anything because for the past four years I've been sending them a copy of my resume every six months, and not one single letter or phone call, not even to say sorry, we're full, better luck next time. So my expectations were pretty low this time around.
Then yesterday I was sitting in the loungeroom playing World of Warcraft on my notebook when I heard a rustle of feathers, followed by a THUD!. Cautiously I got up from the armchair and walked towards the window, where the noise had come from. A quick scan revealed nothing, and I was about to turn back when I heard another THUD!, this time lower down.
Horror movies never taught me anything. I opened the window and leaned forward to get a good view of what was down there. As I peered out the window, an owl fluttered up at my face. I landed on my back as it landed on the sill. It had a yellow envelope in its mouth and a slightly mad gleam in its eye. I stood up, patted the nocturnal killer on the head adoringly and tore open the letter.
"Dear Jay,
Congratulations! You have been accepted to work at the Library Service as a shelver. We thank you for your patience in the lateness of this letter. A position has recently become available due to an unfortunate work-related accident which has prevented a former shelver from working, let alone walking. Please find enclosed a detailed list of the Library Rules. Pay special attention to Rule 14.56.8 Sub-section 6.1A Clause 2, which deals with your new responsibilities.
Please call the library to accept this position. Your training shall begin at 1300 hours Tuesday 23rd October. We hope to see you there.
Yours sincerely,
The Library Staff"
I was so excited when I read this that I could hardly breathe. I have loved libraries as long as I can remember. My first word was 'book'. I memorised the Dewey Decimal System before I learned my times tables. Each time I walked into one was a new adventure, a new horizon to seek.
I called the library immediately and accepted. It took me five tries as each time someone answered the phone I got so excited I could only squeal into the phone. The librarian was really annoyed by the end, so after I hung up I sent the owl back to the library with a box of chocolates and an apologetic note.
So, I'm an official shelver now. Can't wait to see what working in a library is really like...
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