Challenges for Reference Excellence: Realities


1
Challenges for Reference Excellence Realities
Possibilities

• Wisconsin Library Association
• Marie L. Radford Ph.D.
• November 6 2008

2
(No Transcript)
3
LibraryDude (aka Billie Walker) the ASK
CartPenn State University Thun Library
4
(No Transcript)
5
(No Transcript)
6
(No Transcript)
7
(No Transcript)
8
(No Transcript)
9
(No Transcript)
10
(No Transcript)
11
Phone The library has a phone
12
(No Transcript)
13
The Litany of Excuses

• We are already too busy.
• We dont do that here.
• We would be overwhelmed if we did that.
• Then everyone would expect it.
• Then they will expect it every time.
• We could never do that.
• It takes too long.
• We dont have enough staff.
• They should do their own work.

• We cant break the rules.
• We must enforce the policies.
• It would be chaos if we did that.
• The will take advantage of us.
• Ill get in trouble if I do that.
• The others I work with wont like it.
• Ive been told not to bend the rules for anyone
  ever I never do.

14

• They died
• They still owe the overdue fine.

15
(No Transcript)
16
WØRD
The

• BURNOUT

17
More Like TechnoHELLpers
18
Web 2.0 Social Networking Just another
passing fad.
19
Re-invent the card catalog!! Dust off the
microfilm reader!!
20
I have upgrade fatigue. Wah! Wah! Waah!
21
(No Transcript)
22
In fact dont talk to me. Leave me alone.
23
I need to get a grip pronto.
24
In the Dark Ages
25
The OLDEST PROFESSION
26
OMG!!! Screenagers!!
27
WTF
28
B C Before Computers
29
We never procrastinated when we were in school.
We never work on deadline now.
30
Dont they know Im busy
Playing Solitaire
Checking my e-mail
31
FT Can I have the full text of the
newspaper that was published the day Jesus Christ
died (Actual Reference Question)
32
You mean it isnt
33
But not use Wikipedia or Google
34
For Ready Reference Qs Give them the damn
fish
Then ask Do you want to learn how I found it
35
b/c they are a. Easy b. Convenient c.
Never surly d. Fish giving e. All of the
above
36
And to stop listening to rock n roll too. And
btw to Just say no!
37
Yeah we should STOP! Screw The Online
Patron
38
Yeah while were at it especially screw the
Distance Learners!
39
Except for my own kids Hey theyre really busy
they need me!
40
How long do we have to wait until the burned out
ones are fired retire or quit go work for
Motor Vehicles or Wal-Mart
41

• And thats it for todays
• WØRD

42
A Few Words about Burnout
43
Some Suggestions
44

• Service Excellence
• Make it Your
• Personal Choice
• Encourage Your Colleagues!