Teen Librarian and Customer Service

The Gorman and Suellentrop chapter on customer service really inspired me.

It describes things that I already do in my job.  I leave the desk and ask if anybody needs anything.  If someone needs to find a book, I don't just find it for them, I show them how to use the catalog and how to read the call number.  Then I will ask if they need help finding the book.  If no, I let them go, if yes, I point them in the right direction and describe how our library is set up.  It is just a rectangle with large labeled sections.  I tell them that if they need help to come and get me and I will be right there.

Another thing I have is great patience.  Sure things bug me like when kids proudly say, "I don't read," but that is because they are confused.  As a good teen librarian, we can help them out.  I am a great listener and am empethetic.  I like to "be there" for them; sometimes they have nobody else.

I could picture being a teen librarian and being an advocate for them. 

I'm glad we read this chapter.

They Say, "I hate to read" & What Makes Quality Reading?

Gorman and Suellentrop answered my question.  Why do kids say, "I don't read"?  I thought they were being punks.  I was right.  Gorman and Suellentrop say that chances are that this is said "mainly for show, to mark turf, to challenge authority".  However, they go on to say that chances are they are reading, just not things that school librarians would put out for a booktalk.  They might be reading things like magazines, newspapers, the internet, or graphic novels; these things would not cause ridicule if they were caught reading them. 

At least now I know that there is a reason, not that they are just jerks or idiots.  It makes me feel better about the youth of America.  Our goal now is to find some good reading material that he would be interested in; don't force him to read something he has no interest in reading.

Now, what makes a good book, or quality reading?  I think it is personal taste.  My neighbor used to draw for Marvel Comics, so he loves to read comic books (not graphic novels).  When I took an english class in college, the teacher said that poems that rhyme, or lymrics are the worst forms of poetry created, and should not be read.  I'm not a poetry fan, but I happen to like lymrics and rhymes (ex. Dr. Seuss, Shel Silverstein, "There once was a man from Nantucket. . .").  I don't like other forms of poetry.

The music I choose to listen to is excellent (Bing Crosby, Animaniacs and songs from Dr. Demento), but others disagree.  I think their stuff is garbage.  It is all personal taste.

For reading, read what you like, because if you like it, it is a good read.