Languages used in replies

[☕ Lachgas ♿]

Hi,
as I'm working through some months old requests I came across quite a few where librarians used a language (I'm assuming) matching the book that's requested in their replies.

While I do have no problem with that and know it's sometimes easier for us non-native english speakers to write things in a language we are more fluent in, can we librarians maybe agree on at least summarizing the main content of our reply in english?

It's a bit annoying coming at an still open request where obviously some questions were asked - and maaybe something was done, or not and having to run it through a translator first to understand what was asked or done (or not done).

Also when something is done, would be helpful to see that instead of having to translate several phrases for "added the book" or "done" or "here it is".

Any other thoughts on that?

[Dobby]

These are good points, Lachgas. Your suggestions would help other librarians know whether to move on to another request or to work on that one.

It would make the process more efficient, and that helps everyone.

[lethe]

100% agree with you, Lachgas. Even if I can read the language used in the thread, it feels as if two people are having a private conversation while in the company of others, excluding them.

At least provide a summary in English.

Also agree about your other point. How difficult is it to write [DONE] instead of, f.e., [HECHO]?

[Elizabeth (Alaska)]

+1

[Karin]

The little "done's" in other languages do not bother me if it is followed by the link of the added book.

But if indeed a whole conversation follows in the other language I also feel excluded as lethe pointed out.

But sometimes I have clarified something in Dutch because writing something in English is more difficult for me than reading it.

I think people do this the same way you wave or honk at someone with the same foreign license plate in a foreign country. I sometimes do, haha.

[☕ Lachgas ♿]

I really do not mind if someone uses their main language, but a short (asked for proof/source/cover...) or similar would be helpful in quite some postings.
Had one from october in don't know spanish or portuguese or something which was clearly a question from the librarian (and no book entered yet) but I then just closed it because a) no answer since months and I didn't want to ask somthing for the second time just because I can't read the language the librarian used.

"done" in whatever language followed by a book link are not my issue - I just close them and assume it means done.
But a single "done" without any link can be a different story depending on the language.

[Javier]

Oops, I've never thought of it that way - but you guys do have a point. I'll try to stick to English as much as possible from now on (or at least to provide a summary when the request is in another language).