I was wondering which area in the UK has the best library card design and why, in your opinion?

I apologize if this is not the correct subreddit or if I am using the wrong flair but I am an IT manager for our local library system and we are attempting to reach out to other libraries using SirsiDynix as their primary ILS but are using other third parties for their mobile apps.

We are in the process of finishing launching a new app with CapiraMobile but have been encountering issues with search relevancy while browsing the catalog. IE the most relevant search results will be on the bottom of the results. This issue is apparently affecting all Libraries that have this ILS/App combination.

My question is, does anyone else have SirsiDynix and another third party app provider such as Bibliocommons or something else and if so, are you seeing these relevancy issues in your app as well?

I really want to go to the Knit club thing they have going on, but it's for adults and older adults. And if the context doesn't make sense I'm still a minor(13) can I still go? Or is it against policy or whatever

Edit: Thank you all for the responses! They were a lot of help, I ended up calling and was informed that It is completely fine that I attended. (Also there seemed to be a little confusion, I've been crocheting for a few years now and I know how to act in public places lmao. Also I wasn't aware that you could suggest events and clubs so thank you all for the information) Thank you all for the help!

The Doctor is stuck in the Library! Who's been flying the Tardis?

Has anyone gotten the Library Pass Comics Plus for academic libraries and integrated the records into Alma/Primo?

They vendor said they have MARC records we can download but my cataloger said that the records they have won't really work with Alma and we'd still have to create portfolios for the titles.

I've never had a library card but I've been trying to get my shit together and figured a library card would be nice since there's one in walking distance, but I found out you need an ID or typically an adult to register for you. I doubt my dad would be willing to take me, is there a way? I don't have an ID cus i applied for a ssc and it just never came.
I'n in New Mexico if thats relevant

Long time lurker. Help me brainstorm folks!

There is no public library in my school district. There are no dropboxes or Bookmobiles. The school district also has no full time librarian in any building and the libraries are neglected.

We deserve a library.

There is a wonderful county library that folks can get cards for, but it is easily a half hour drive away or more. Totally inaccessible for kids or non drivers. (But the digital resources are appreciated!)

What can we do to get library access for these folks? How do we start? We've been formally and informally telling the county library. Grants? Political organizing? Reciprocity with someone somewhere? A creative non-new-structure solution?

What have you seen work? Where would you start? Tips, suggestions, prayers welcome :)

State of Pennsylvania, bordering Maryland fwiw We have access to other PA county's digital materials reciprocally.

Hi! I am going to the MLA conference at the end of October.

I just wanted insight, advice, etc on how to make the most of it. I'm trying to network, have fun, and learn a lot.

I'm nervous and don't know how dressy I should be and how to approach this since I won't know anyone there

They're constantly at me to "upgrade", but why? It's clumsy, confusing and inconvenient - a classic "I'm bored, let's fix this thing that isn't broken"

When they finally do kill the overdrive app, I wonder what other options will be available. Maybe a browser on my Fire instead.

Hello!

I have a road trip coming up and want to make a CD for it, but I want to use YouTube to MP3 to get the music. Will that site be blocked on Library computers?

Hello! I have a book that I'd like to put in the library. I've managed to publish it on Amazon, but I believe it would reach more people if it ends up on public library shelves. The problem is I'm not sure who to contact. Is there any way for me to do this? I'd really appreciate any responses- blog posts or emails.

Location: Washington, DC

What are some good ideas for a November display?

My turn to put out a "Staff Picks" shelf is almost here. I was lucky and got the Halloween slot. So help me come up with horror novels that I should set out. If my library has them, then I'll set them out.

Let's make it an adult shelf please. Only because my library branch doesn't get alot of teens and the children section will have their own picks shelf. (However, if you believe an adult would really enjoy a YA horror novel, then go ahead and give it to me.)

i've worked at my branch for three years as a clerk. i've applied for assistant positions multiple times and i've gotten interviews but i haven't had any luck so far. that wouldn't necessarily bother me but based on the way my manager treats me versus the other clerks i'm worried she might have a problem with me she isn't telling me about? my evaluations have been positive and i usually don't get criticized for my work, but there have been a few times that my manager has snapped at me over something that i've been doing consistently instead of bringing it up the first time she sees it. there was a situation a few years ago where she threatened to fire me over my poor performance working on the front desk without any prior warning and it really shook me up, as this is my only source of income. she's also made strange comments about my seizure disorder that implied she doesn't think i'm capable of doing what my other coworkers can, but i don't want to baselessly accuse her of ableism.

what inspired me to make this post was that, yesterday, i noticed i was the only clerk who wasn't nominated for a yearly award despite working here for three years. am i doing something obviously wrong? do i need to ask my manager for criticism more often so i can improve myself? i'm planning on talking to her the first chance i get, and because she doesn't work weekends and monday is a holiday i have until tuesday to figure out what to say to her. is there anything specific i should ask about? i'd be lying if i didn't say the whole situation really hurts my feelings, especially because i'm currently working on a lis degree and i want more experience to draw from for my assignments. any advice would be appreciated!

Hello Everyone!

I am a San Jose State University student in an internship partnership with the Little Free Library. My partner and I are in different time zones, so we would prefer to speak to individuals in the US or Canada. We want to connect with people working in public libraries to learn about their outreach programs. We hope to meet up for a 15-minute interview, which can be over the phone or through Zoom. 

You can contact me, Alexandra Cervantes, at alexandra.cervantes@sjsu.edu or my partner, Rae Eggleston, at phyllis.eggleston@sjsu.edu.

Please feel free to email us if you need more information. 

I hope this doesn’t come across poorly; I can be nervous or read into things a bit much, so I’d appreciate some feedback.

I started volunteering after I graduated and spoke to a librarian at my local branch. I’ve been applying to every library assistant job that crops up and recently I added that I volunteer to my applications. No luck so far, but I did get a few interviews.

From what I understand, volunteering can help get you an ‘in’ or at least give you some experience. But what I’m also wondering is if that means you are also supposed to network with the staff during your shifts? I’m not sure why but it takes me some time to get comfortable with people I work with. I don’t think this really applies to customers, and in my personal life I’m fairly outgoing. I’ve tried my best to be polite and minimally awkward, but I haven’t really socialized with the staff. Honestly, I mostly just keep to myself and shelve.

I worry a bit that they might not have the best impression of me, and therefore can’t really vouch for me if another branch asks how I am. I also don’t know if I come off as unreliable because I was consistently showing up every week until I got sick and personal things came up. I called out? once and meant to sign up for another shift and just didn’t until this week.

Am I actually hurting my application and myself by being awkward? Do I keep mentioning I volunteer and do I keep volunteering?

Hi everyone!

So a couple of nearby counties where I live say that if you're a resident of a nearby eligible county, you can go in person and get a permanent library card without having to pay an annual fee.

I really want to do this, because then I'll have a larger access to books on Libby, as well as their online resources that my library doesn't offer. But I am worried if this will have a negative impact on them. I only use Libby every few months ( I'm a full time student and don't have much time for recreational reading unfortunately :c ), and I'm not sure if getting a library card (that will most likely go unused for majority of the year) would negatively impact the library budget...

Genuinely, I don't know how library system funding works. All I know is that it would be nice having a larger accessible pool of books on Libby.

What do you guys think - would this have any negative impact on them, or am I overthinking this?

I need to cut a 3ydx2yd piece of fabric rather precisely and don't have the floor or table space to do that because I live in a van. Taking it to work isn't ideal because construction sites are filthy and it's a very nice fabric. I tried laying down a tarp at the park but alas it was still very bumpy. It probably would only take me 20 minutes and I of course would leave no trace behind. Would this be a super inappropriate ask? I never want my library to think I treat them like my personal living room.

Not necessarily being a librarian but helping sort books and whatnot.

Hello! I'm trying to start a career at the library. (Currently a grocery store stocker, really don't want to be anymore, have always loved my local library and I think I have some pretty good transferable skills.) I've got a few questions. I'm aiming for an entry level position like Library Technician or Assistant, ideally full time.

• Is it normal for the hiring process to take a long time? In the past month I've applied to 4 jobs, and only one has been updated to say applications are being reviewed. Some have been untouched for over 5 weeks! I'm getting antsy and would take anything to increase my chances, as openings close enough to drive to aren't exactly common.
• Is it a good idea to mention I'm a frequent user of Libby in the list of software I'm familiar with on my resume? The questions on the application ask about experience with the app specifically from a 'behind the desk' point of view, but obviously I don't have that and have to answer no, as I have no prior library work experience. Is the resume a good place to note my familiarity in that, I could probably answer basic patron questions or explain how to use the app?
• None of the applications have asked for a cover letter, but have an open ended section for attachments. Should I write some?
• Will people at checkout or the information desk be annoyed with me if I ask some general questions about the job, career path, and what day-to-day is like? I don't want to take up too much of their time, but want to get some advice and go into a potential interview with a good idea of what I'm getting into.

Thank you!!!

Hello. I go to Blackstone Library in Chicago, and I was wondering if it costs money to 3d print items. Thank you.

Hey all,

Are there any specific organizations you could be a member for that helps more for academic librarianship/specialized. I'm not interested in public even though I am a public librarian trainee right now. I did just become a member of the NCLA, I know they send listings but I feel like it will be all public experience. A lot of listings are internal which is why I'm curious.

So, my question is, is there another organization I should become a member for?

Thanks.

First of all, I want to thank everyone who took the time to comment and give me support and suggestions.

(I don’t know how to add my previous post, so please check my profile if you don’t remember.)

I took a few days after my post to consider what I should do. There were so many good suggestions. While I was still thinking about it, my neighbor wanted us to take our children together to story time. We got there 2 minutes before they opened. There were lots of other moms waiting, too. I thought I heard the doors automatically unlocking, so I tried to open it, as did another mom standing at a different door. I realized it was still locked and didn’t try to open it again. The assistant librarian came to the door with the key, opened the door and stuck her head out and said, ‘We weren’t open yet! Don’t touch the door! I’ll let you know when we’re open! Don’t try to open the door when it’s locked!’ She just kept repeating the same thing over and over again. I was so embarrassed that I froze. Later that day, I was mad at myself for not telling her to stop using that tone of voice with me. So I decided, now’s the time. I called the business office of the president of the library board and got an email address for her. I sent her an email that day, but didn’t hear back from her until today. (I didn’t give her my phone number, but she called me. 🤔) She told me that she would bring up my concerns with the board and keep my name out of it. Then she said that I should try to have some patience with them because they’re both older and having health problems. I tried to tell her that I’d been patient with them for over 2 years, but she kept talking over me. She suggested that maybe I should offer to volunteer. They need someone to walk the ladies to their cars after closing. Considering that the library closes at 4pm, I could definitely do that, but I’m barely over 5 ft tall. I don’t know how safe they would feel with me by their side. She was overall very nice and seemed concerned that all of this was happening and that I now feel too nervous to go to the library. She asked about my son and why we moved to this tiny little town.

I don’t know if anything will change, but I now have a little more understanding of why they’re so miserable. (The library director had a tumor removed and couldn’t take time off, so had to return to work before she recovered. I feel like I shouldn’t know that because the president is a doctor and, ya know, HIIPA.) So, for now, I’m just going to go in with a smile on my face and let my son enjoy the toys.

Again, thank you all for encouraging me to stand up for myself. I wouldn’t have even known where to start without your suggestions.

Hello,

I recently moved and started working at a new library. I have about 2 years of experience as a library assistant and I'd say the one I worked at before was great. They taught me well and were very supportive. Here, it's chaotic. Half the equipment is broken or barely working, no work stations in the back for projects or circulation, programs stacked upon programs (why are there so many on Thursday?!), and no structure to front desk scheduling.

The ILS is terrible, but I've managed to navigate it pretty well. If it weren't for my previous experience, I'd probably be messing up so much. And it's not fair to the employees they have who didn't get proper training as they make all kinds of mistakes. In addition, some of the older employees are clumping me into the blame for mistakes when I know I'm not. In fact, I'm catching those errors and correcting them.

Last week, I just felt so unwelcome when some of the bigger personalities came back from their vacations. Things I'd implemented in the children's area were being undone by them. I'd tried putting some new books and diverse books on display in areas that were very empty on the shelves. I'd come in and find all of them re-shelved. I had little baskets out for patrons to place books they didn't want to take home in, to help us track things that were used in-house and to make shelving more accurate. The baskets were put away multiple times. I've adjusted book shelving so the shelves aren't packed too tight to re-shelve, but someone is determine to pack as many in on one shelf as possible.

I'm extremely frustrated and don't know how to proceed with such big personalities. The lack of structure and communication is having me obsessing when I should be resting at home. Any advice?

Hello everyone. I recently became a library assistant and most of the shelves are fine, spaced out and such. The only thing I have an issue with is the graphic novel section. I've asked my supervisor if I could alphabetize the graphic novels section by title and they didn't seem too keen on that. I can't do it by call number because they all start with the same number. What tips can you give me to organize the graphic novel section better and make it easy for the kids to find graphic novels they like?