Contemplate the empty spaces
Once in a while when the library is quiet I like to go into the stacks and contemplate the empty spaces.Now this sounds easier than it is. (it also sounds a little crazy I admit, but hey we're all librarians here)
We don't have a lot of empty space in our stacks. A circumstance that drives me a little crazy.
But we do have weeding and shifting projects that are ongoing. So we have some spaces, just not enough. (More I want more!)
My favorite place to contemplate are in the journals. I noticed over time that there were journals that not only no one had checked out, they weren't even being published anymore. So, I asked myself why we still needed them in the stacks taking up space when one of the things we were complaining about was space.
So I compiled a list. An extensive list. Several hundred journal titles. Some of which were at least 70 years old.
And now I get to view the end result. Empty space in the stacks where books once resided. Books that are much safer in another library.
It gives me great joy and satisfaction to contemplate the empty spaces and know that they will be put to good use in the near future.
posted by Nike at
2:07 PM
3 comment(s):
Ack!! Bad librarian, bad librarian!!
You must be very careful about helping the man remove the books. The books go and computer pods appear. Students then only look for things online, which are usually just things from the big publishers or new things. All those old things, or things that weren't a 'hit' are lost. The publishing industry has tightened their grip on our metaphorical balls. Academia is forever altered, as scholarship depends on the interest or profit margins of a few undereducated morons. These morons being first in line to only use online things.
Less books mean fewer librarians and more computer guys to connect the keyboards to the computers. These guys couldn't undertake an efficent information search if it was detailed in their tatoos or dangling from their nose ring. But what do we care? We're too concerned with collecting our unemployment checks and stocking the bookshelves at Barnes and Noble!!
Nike, shame.
A much better idea would be for you to find that little empty space that already exists, climb into it, and curl up into the fetal position pondering my prophetic words.
By
Loki, at
7:59 AM
Oh please. I don't work in a science library. There is no way they will ever get rid of all the books for online resources. Humanities are too attached to their books.
Half the students who come in don't even know we have a web page never mind use online resources.
Hell, they can't even check their library accounts for overdue fines and book renewal.
Besides the A**@#*! architects who designed this place left us little choice in the matter. We either move the books or start piling them on the floors.
By
Nike, at
3:07 PM
I spotted a great big empty place today! It was between my boss' ears!
By
Loki, at
2:46 PM
Post a comment
<< Home