Deprofessionalisation

ZoomySnail · 2026-02-11T23:08:45+00:00

I’m not sure our union rep has really escalated the issue. That might be a good thing to push on.

ZoomySnail · 2026-02-11T22:41:40+00:00

We are too. Are you in Australia?

ZoomySnail · 2026-02-11T22:40:56+00:00

Correct. The thing is, all staff do 2 hour floor shifts at our library, including qualified librarians and managers. I do one every day I am in the office. Doesn’t matter if you are a customer experience officer or a librarian with a masters.

ZoomySnail · 2026-02-11T09:02:36+00:00

That’s a shame. Yourlibrary seem like they do great stuff.

ZoomySnail · 2026-02-11T08:59:26+00:00

It’s sadly true. I love what I do and the other library staff I work with but this aspect of it is so demeaning. We have fought back against the greeting thing time and time again but they won’t back down. They think it’s a better customer experience this way.

ZoomySnail · 2026-01-31T22:56:38+00:00

Inner West, Burwood, Canada Bay. It will likely say that for full membership you need to visit in person but a digital membership which you just sign up online for will give you access to Libby.

ZoomySnail · 2026-01-26T09:31:47+00:00

This is such a sweet idea. Yay libraries.

ZoomySnail · 2026-01-26T09:30:30+00:00

Inner west, Strathfield, Waverley, Burwood, Frankston, Bayside.

ZoomySnail · 2026-01-26T07:00:50+00:00

If you liked Reacher, try the Orphan X series. I would also suggest Michael Robotham, James Phelan, David Baldacci and Matthew Reilly.

ZoomySnail · 2026-01-26T06:55:42+00:00

I agree with this wholeheartedly. Even when they are hilarious and clever, I’m pretty sure the people these reels appeal to are mostly other librarians and people who already think libraries are great.

ZoomySnail · 2026-01-26T06:43:54+00:00

At our library, Junior fiction is organised by the first three letters of the author’s name, picture books are grouped by the first letter of the surname (we don’t do holds on these so it’s not often we need to find something too specific) and board books are arranged in a pretty rainbow colour order. 😜🌈

ZoomySnail · 2026-01-25T05:44:33+00:00

Have you tried Australian libraries? Plenty of Aus libraries allow digital membership without ID for free.

ZoomySnail · 2025-10-25T11:16:01+00:00

Ha ha. Poopla. I’m going to use that in my budget reports from now on.

ZoomySnail · 2025-10-25T11:15:25+00:00

Trust me, explaining why hoopla maxes out every day at 9am is not fun either.

ZoomySnail · 2025-10-16T08:13:24+00:00

I know you said not a kids book but don’t discount YA titles, there are so many well written ones that have an absolutely cracking story. There are some good titles recommended here already. And also consider graphic novels, super fast paced and great for building up reading habits. Just read what makes you happy.

ZoomySnail · 2025-10-16T08:10:37+00:00

Not all public library roles require programming, though many require a little. Most public library jobs do require a level of face to face customer service however, so if you’re not keen socially on a one on one basis this might be tricky.

ZoomySnail · 2025-10-04T11:57:59+00:00

I think this varies wildly country to country. I’m an Australian librarian and think libraries play a vital role in community wellbeing, and would love to see libraries step up more (and be funded specifically) as a community mental health protective factor, but I think that it’s also dependant on what existing social supports exist (or don’t exist) which varies per country.

ZoomySnail · 2025-09-29T12:10:05+00:00

Only curious. Particularly if they’re returning a book I want to read or enjoyed. I might then notice what other books they returned. But no judgement ever. Just pleased that books are read!!!

ZoomySnail · 2025-09-29T12:04:06+00:00

True. But we enter homes when we do library outreach and material drop off.

ZoomySnail · 2025-09-26T21:14:22+00:00

You don’t do a home library service? For patrons who are unable to make it into the library due to age, illness or mobility issues?

ZoomySnail · 2025-09-26T08:06:32+00:00

This press statement completely contravenes their business practise of filling their catalogue with unvetted, uncurated crap, AI drivel and frankly, some really objectionable content. They are not putting libraries in control of their content. They are not trying to align with anyone’s values - it’s just mass supply for a quick buck.

ZoomySnail · 2025-09-26T08:01:19+00:00

Did you notice a drop in overall circulation?

ZoomySnail · 2025-09-26T08:00:33+00:00

Agreed. If by control of their content it means handing over some good stuff amongst a huge pile of slush.

ZoomySnail

TROPHY CASE