Our Wonderful Library Assistants
Ethel K. Smith Library Assistants are a vital part of the processes for the Circulation and Periodical Desks. In addition to daily duties at each of these desks, and assisting patrons with all sorts of questions, our Library Assistants work daily to keep our collections orderly and accurate. This past year we began using a hand held palm pilot to scan and track items in the collection. Assistants are regularly given a “shelf reading” assignment or section to review for shelving errors and misplaced items. After a section is read, another assistant will scan that section to verify with the computer that all the items are accounted for. This system has proved to be very beneficial in that it helps the assistants to have a better appreciation for the efforts necessary to maintain order in the collections, and gives them much more experience in locating items for patrons. This check and balance system has also created a friendly competition among some of the assistants. By using a stop watch, they time each other for speed and accuracy in their assignments. The EKS Library Staff is grateful for the efforts of our helpful, willing and bright assistants. Hats off to our students!
