Five Things to Keep in Mind the First Week of the Semester (for Library Staff)

Posted by: JollyLibrarian on: January 18, 2012

Students will not know the name of their textbook, instructor, or class on the first day of class even when they have come to the library for the purpose of checking out the textbook.
If the campus computers do not default to an actual printer when students need to print, you must be prepared to go out to the student computers about fifty times a day. Wear comfortable shoes and keep a smile on your face. This is not the students’ fault.
When students can’t find their class and the library is the only office open at night, they will not believe you can’t tell them what happened to their instructor and classmates. At such times, it is good to have the home numbers of all the academic coordinators.
As much as they complain about students’ not reading directions, faculty are no better. Therefore, be prepared to send out emails about library policy changes numerous times and still be assaulted later by stunned cries of ” When did this happen? You never told me!”
This is the week to set the tone for students. How you welcome students to the library this week will determine if they think it is a place of welcome or a place to be avoided.

JollyLibrarian