The Library Cast

When most people think of a library, chances are they think of librarians working there.  While that's very true, librarians aren't the only ones.  Like actors who can't make a movie without all those working behind the scenes, librarians can't run a library without all those working in various positions.  Today I'd like to talk about some of the other members of the library cast who may not be as well-known as librarians.

The circulation desk is where everyone goes to check out and return library items.  Depending on the size of the library, it's possible that the person checking out books to you isn't a librarian but rather a paraprofessional known as a circulation clerk or library technician.  This person keeps things moving along, checking items out and in.  The circulation clerk will also be the one to contact you if you have an item on hold or an item that's overdue.

Shelvers or pages are important jobs in the library, but they rarely get the credit they deserve.  Many are part-time employees, and some are even high school students or unpaid volunteers.  These people are responsible for getting items back on the shelves for you to peruse and check out.  They push around carts filled with items, bending low and reaching high to get things back where they belong and keep shelves looking orderly.  Many librarians, including yours truly, began their library careers as shelvers.

Nowadays, information technology (a.k.a. computers) is a big thing, and libraries are fortunate to have an IT expert on staff.  Although librarians are skilled in helping patrons use technology, including e-mail, the Internet, and electronic databases, they need help in maintaining and repairing computers when needed.  That's where an IT expert comes in.

Of course, the library is normally a welcoming and clean place to spend time reading a book, studying, or playing a game of checkers.  If the library is tidy and the bathrooms are stocked with toilet paper, that's because of the cleaning crew ensuring patrons are comfortable and have what they need.  They make the library a place where you want to spend your time.

These are just some of the many members of the library cast who help the library function successfully.  Take a moment the next time you visit your library to realize that beside librarians, there are other people at work who contribute to making your library experience a good one.

With gratitude to the all the library employees from the perch.