Free Range Librarian - Episode 2

So.  Here we are.  Hurdling towards Tuesday 10 May 2016, 10am at Goody Library for our very first STAR shift.   Free Range Librarians with superpowers ….

What superpowers  you may ask?  Well, it’s quite obvious – STAR superpowers!  Still a bit confused?  Let’s unpack it then ….

S = SUPPORT.  This is probably our most used and most loved superpower.  We are renowned for supporting each other and our customers. We hold hands when crossing the road, we listen and provide advice and help others - that’s just who we are. We hold up, bear, carry, prop up, keep up, bolster up, brace, shore up, underpin, buttress, reinforce each other and the work we do every day!  Do you need to bolster this superpower even more?  Nah, I think you‘ve got this one covered. Go into your first STAR shift with confidence and enjoy!

T = TEACH. Every single day I see our Librarians (soon free-range Librarians) teaching our customers to access their emails, to print a document or make a copy, to download an e-book, to find a book on the catalogue, etc. Will this change when we start our STAR shifts?  Of course not!  In the beginning, most of our customers will need help with the new kiosks.  And you – yes you superSTAR, will teach them how.  To make sure your TEACH superpower is buffed up; you need to do the following:

•  Practice, practice, practice on the kiosk. Kate has developed some nifty scenario’s, and by working through those you will gain a pretty good understanding of what our machines can do. 
•  Be inquisitive – play (often the best way to learn)
• Ask lots of questions!  It is ok to say we don’t know.  Most of the time we find an answer together J

A = ASSIST.  Imagine the library is your house, and our customers are your friends (yeah, I know, just play along will you?)  Anyway, when we entertain guests at home, we want them to be comfortable, and enjoy their visit with us.  It is not so different for our customers.  If you see them struggle with a stroller, a stubborn 2 year-old and a large toy – offer a kind hand!  If someone stands around looking for something, ask if you can assist them.  This superpower is super easy, and can change a person’s day for the better!  Just put yourself in their shoes and find a way to make their experience wonderful.  You’ve got this.  Go forth beautiful  superSTAR, and put smiles on customer faces!

R = ROAM.  Now, this is probably our secret superpower. We have not had much practice using this particular superpower in the past.  So, what does this mean?  Do we need to talk to every single customer?  Do we harass them between the shelves?  Do we stalk them like Batman or Superman or Ironman to make sure they are safe and happy?  Of course not!  We don’t do that now, so why will we do that on a STAR shift?  No, when we roam, we will be busy shelving, tidying, and using our other superpowers listed above.  But we will be closer to our customers to see where the need is.  We will be more approachable and because we are not behind the desk, in a traditional service setting, our customers will see us for what we are: 

           STAR CRUSADERS!

More about our crusade next week.  Enjoy the weekend, and come back refreshed!  Hanlie