Interview

During my first official visit to Daniel Library, I was able to sit with my supervisor for nearly two hours to discuss my action plan as an intern in the library. She allowed me to ask any and all questions that I had, and had planned out questions for me to answer as well. It was important to figure out what I had learned in order to decide how I could best serve the library, while at the same time having the library serve my education. As I transitioned into asking questions about the technology used in their library, she jokingly settled in for the "Question and Answer" session! The information she gave me allowed me to assess the way the library is run, the users of the library, and the library's policy.

Daniel Library at the Citadel uses technology frequently when assisting patrons. The majority of the users in this library are students of the Citadel, though the library is open to the public. The library does provide wifi, which the students can access with their student usernames and passwords. A librarian must log in guests who wish to use the wifi. There are no restrictions to the types of websites or resources the patrons are allowed to access. Many students use the computers that are located on the main floor of the library, public patrons are restricted to the use of the two public computers. The public and students are encouraged to use the library and media specialists as a resource. The Citadel is a holder of Federal Documents for public use, this does not always draw in the public however. The library does use social media to draw students into the library. The library will make posts on Twitter and Facebook to remind the students of upcoming events, notices about the coffee shop, and speakers that are coming to the school. The students are offered "Daniel's Demos" which teach them how to use online resources, bibliographic instruction, and that they really can ask the librarians for help! It is rare that a student asks a media specialist a question without being approached first. Technology has encouraged students to ask for help however through the chat option on the Daniel Library homepage. While this method does not offer the same type of reference interview that a face-to-face discussion would, the librarians at Daniel Library are pleased that this option is being used. Daniel Library also has a texting feature where the students can text the library a question and have it answered in a reply message! Since many of the students hesitate to ask questions, the library has provided How-To tutorials for the students to watch in order to learn how to use the online databases and catalogs on the school's website. I thought it was sad that the students do not actively use the library as a resource. In the age of instant gratification, answers can often be found using a resource like Google and if they are not, many students give up or grow frustrated. I would prefer the first instinct of a learner to be to ask for help, and to go to experts before the internet. While the internet has made finding resources even more wide spread, it has also lessened the quality and reliability of many of the articles students use.

Having "Daniel's Demos" in my opinion, is one of Daniel Library's best ideas to connect to the users of the library. This is how the library is going to share how the technology in the library is used, so that it is not just sitting idle. While variations of this idea are frequently seen in most libraries it is especially important that the academic libraries share ways to use the technology they offer. Academic libraries are to be used as a tool for learners, therefore the learners should be taught how to use the tool so it does not go to waste!