By Sarah Kuperman, Guest Blogger
My job in Collection Managment is a "behind the scenes" assignment. My usual work involves websites and spreadsheets. A bright spot in my work week is the time I spend working at the Information Desk in the Business, Science, and Technology Department at the Central Library.
The BST desk is always interesting. Questions range over a wide range of subjects. They cover Psychology, Health, Medicine, Small Business, Big Business, Business plans, Computers, All Sciences, Engineering, Building, Cooking, Gardening, Job Hunting, Test Preparation Books and all sports—including chess.
Finding the answers doesn't always involve books. BST provides 2-hour job-hunting computers, research computers, and access to databases. Recommending databases, recommending websites and even troubleshooting equipment are included in the job. My turn at the desk is never routine.
Recently a customer asked me to help with a tough problem. She needed to take an online exam, but had not had a chance to reserve a computer center computer in advance. It seemed like all the computers in the whole library were reserved. Was there anything we could do to help? Fortunately, Pratt's Central Library loans laptops for in house use. I was happy to guide her the circulation desk. The customer borrowed a Pratt Laptop, then she found a desk in the comfortable laptop lounge. She had wireless Internet access to take the test in a comfortable place with no time limit. Another win at Pratt Library!
See images of our comfortable laptop lounge in this slideshow from our Flickr stream:
