Solving Mysteries at the Library
I spent yesterday afternoon hanging out with the reference librarian at Haverford Township Free Library in Pennsylvania. Although spending time at a library is not a new experience, this was a special event.
As a member of Sisters in Crime, an organization that promotes writers and readers of quality crime fiction, I participated in this event in order to find out how librarians solve mysteries everyday. Haverford Township is in suburban Philadelphia, and there was a steady stream of library clients of all ages during the three hours of the Saturday afternoon whenwas present.
While sleuths in mystery fiction often rely on their hunches to solve a crime, I soon found out that librarian frequently rely on that same intuition to figure out what a client wants when he or she asks a question. For example, people often approach a librarian saying, "I'm looking for a good book. What do you suggest?" The librarian then needs to ask a few questions to direct the reader toward a book that would be of interest, because everyone has a preference of what they like or do not like to read. They are often just looking for something new.
I also learned that at the Haverford library a client can "book a librarian" for an hour for help with a specific problem. Some common topics are writing a resume and help with technology. Many people who have new e-readers come to the library for help in learning how to use these devices.
I loved the lively atmosphere of the library, and the willingness of the staff to answer questions and just generally be of help. When a client asked, "Do you have a magnifying glass?" Sure enough, the reference librarian pulled one out of a desk drawer.
My conclusions: People are reading more everyday, both traditional books and e-book. Libraries are on top of the newest technology, but still maintain a wonderful person-to-person outlook.
As a member of Sisters in Crime, an organization that promotes writers and readers of quality crime fiction, I participated in this event in order to find out how librarians solve mysteries everyday. Haverford Township is in suburban Philadelphia, and there was a steady stream of library clients of all ages during the three hours of the Saturday afternoon whenwas present.
While sleuths in mystery fiction often rely on their hunches to solve a crime, I soon found out that librarian frequently rely on that same intuition to figure out what a client wants when he or she asks a question. For example, people often approach a librarian saying, "I'm looking for a good book. What do you suggest?" The librarian then needs to ask a few questions to direct the reader toward a book that would be of interest, because everyone has a preference of what they like or do not like to read. They are often just looking for something new.
I also learned that at the Haverford library a client can "book a librarian" for an hour for help with a specific problem. Some common topics are writing a resume and help with technology. Many people who have new e-readers come to the library for help in learning how to use these devices.
I loved the lively atmosphere of the library, and the willingness of the staff to answer questions and just generally be of help. When a client asked, "Do you have a magnifying glass?" Sure enough, the reference librarian pulled one out of a desk drawer.
My conclusions: People are reading more everyday, both traditional books and e-book. Libraries are on top of the newest technology, but still maintain a wonderful person-to-person outlook.
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