Went to the library on Friday...

[capri0mni]

And they've made even more changes. The bulletin board on which different posters were displayed, announcing all the library's upcoming events, has been replaced by a shiny flat screen computer monitor-type thing, where the graphics for each event are shown one at a time. So you can't just take it all in, but have to stand there, and wait for the events to scroll through.

And there's now only one librarian on duty at the circulation desk. All the other stations have been filled with self-service units, where people check out their own books. This eliminates the waiting line. But I liked waiting in line at the library. It gave me a chance to see the faces of other people, and get a glimpse at what they're checking out, and to say hello, and smile at children.

They also seem to have removed the reference book shelves, as far as I could tell, so you now have to put a request in for them in advance and get them at the counter, or something (I suppose it prevents theft, or something, but still...).

They're turning the library into a place that is high tech and efficient. I, normally, squee over high tech, and am happy with efficiency. But that's NOT what I go to the library for.

Also, a graphic novel I was looking forward to checking out (Rex Libris about a crime fighting librarian) was missing from the graphic novel rack, even though the catalog said it was there.

So today, I did a word picture to express my mood about this situation, instead of practicing drawing bird wings, like I'd planned:

Comments

[kynn.livejournal.com]

Doing the same thing at my library... can't say I like it much either.

[kynn.livejournal.com]

Note: I still miss card catalogs.

[capriuni.livejournal.com]

I actually like the computerized card catalogs, because, with old-fashioned kind, I could only browse through the Gs and Hs by myself, from the wheelchair. But if I can roll up to the computer desk, I have access to the whole thing.

But I did like the smell of wood and old paper that the traditional catalogs had.

[capriuni.livejournal.com]

I have a sneaking suspicion that they're cost-cutting measures (Self-service terminals don't ask for a salary, or health-care coverage), which adds to the depressing nature of the whole thing.

OTOH, I suppose it's less depressing than cutting the library's hours...

[curtana.livejournal.com]

Mention it to your librarians (not that it's likely under their direct control, but they can report back to their superiors if many people aren't happy with the changes).

[capriuni.livejournal.com]

I intend to. My aide was running late, Friday, which meant less time for conversation, anyway. But I'll bring it up when I return the books.