Page 189 - DLIS003_LIBRARY ADMINISTRATION AND MANAGEMENT

Library Administration and Management

Notes are experts in the contents and arrangement of their collections, as well as how information is
organized outside the library. Library users are encouraged not to be shy about asking a reference
librarian for help. Even though most librarians stay busy when not serving a patron; their
primary duty when they are at the desk is to assist library users. Resources that are often kept at
a library reference desk may include:
A small collection of reference books (called ready reference) that are most often used, so
that the librarians can reach them quickly, especially when they are on the phone, and so
that the books will be returned in time for someone else to use later the same day. The
library’s full reference collection is usually nearby as well.

Newspaper clipping files and other rare or restricted items that must be returned to the
reference desk.

Index cards with the answers to frequently asked questions, and/or drawers with folders
of pamphlets and photocopies of pages that, from previous experience, were difficult to
find. These enable librarians to find such information quickly without leaving the desk—
even faster than they could look it up in a reference book or using the Internet.
Books and other items that are being held for library users who asked the librarian by
phone to set them aside for them to pick up later the same day, or within the next few days.
Books from the circulating collection that have been set aside for students working on a
special assignment, and are temporarily designated to be used only within the library
until the project is due.

Printed lists of items in the library that are not in the catalogue, such as newspapers,
school yearbooks, old telephone directories, college course catalogues, and local history
sources.

Did u know? Print reference works provide you with factual information on specialized
subjects. A reference book is usually consulted briefly to determine specific information.
For this reason, reference books do not circulate and must be used within the library
building.

Self Assessment

Fill in the blanks:

8. Newspaper, clipping files and other rare or restricted items must be returned to the
…………………………..

9. ………………………. counter looks after the library resources such as journals, books and
electronic material.

10.4 Circulation Section Working

One of the most important aspects of any library service to its users is the circulation process.
Planning is essential in this area to insure quick, efficient, and convenient procedures. Since the
contact made at the circulation desk is the only one for many readers, the circulation process
becomes an important public relation factor for the library. The library management must be
concerned with the development of an efficient circulation system.

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