Tuesday, June 26, 2012

A Busman's Holiday, Or, Why Can't We Stay Away From Libraries?

Another week with more questions than answers, but here we go...

I sent this tweet on Saturday afternoon:


And I got a couple of interesting responses:



I've been thinking about this exchange a lot since. Tthis isn't the first time I've had a conversation along these lines, either. I was actually referring to my local public library in the tweet above, but I do typically go visit public libraries (or even academic ones) whenever I can when I'm away from home. Clearly I'm not alone in this. It makes me wonder what it is about libraries that makes it so hard for librarians stay away. 

For me, I know part of why I do it is that I'm always trying to learn from what others do, taking notes about their signage or how they've got the place arranged, but I don't think that's the whole story. Before this comes up, I don't think it's a secret society kind of thing, because I almost never reveal myself as an MLIS. Do other professions do this? Do lawyers go to other courts? Professors check out other colleges?

How about you? Do you make a point of visiting other libraries when you're away from your own? Why? I'm especially interested to hear from the members of my readership who are in library science graduate programs &/or new to libraries.

17 comments:

  1. I'm glad I'm not the only one who does this. Sometimes it's necessary, like this past Friday when I had to go to the Kent Free Library to use their computers while I waited for my car. Or this past Saturday, when I went to Stow to see their passport process. Sometimes I'm genuinely curious about what another library in another city is doing. When we were in the UK, we went into the Woolwich library, and I got a bag there. Other times I don't even want to go near a library on my vacation. And if I'm on vacation from my work, I don't want to go anywhere near MY library unless absolutely necessary!

    I also don't tell them I'm a librarian unless it comes up in conversation.

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    1. I went to the public library nearest where my mother lives when I visited her recently. I was a bit irked when my mother outed me as an MLIS. Didn't want them to think I was trying to get special favors or anything.

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  2. Oh man, do I ever! Every time I visit my hometown, I go to the library (partially to see how things have changed, partially to see my old mentor, and partially because duh, it's the library and my grandma needs something to read). When I visit my parents in New Hampshire, my mom and I go to the library. When I visited my gent in Cleveland before moving up, I went to the closest library.

    I like to scope out libraries--see how things vary from place to place, see how they do their displays and what kinds of programming they have, and of course get books if I need them. I'm glad it's a profession that lends itself to doing this, because it is usually interesting and rewarding.

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    1. I didn't get to visit my hometown library the last time I was in New England, which I regretted. It's still the ruler by which I judge all other libraries.

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  3. There are a few of the reasons I always seek out the library anywhere we visit. First, if it's somewhere you've never been, it's a great resource for information about the place and you can often get good recommendations on hidden local gems. I'm also really interested in the layout and design of libraries. It's something that I think has finally been getting the attention is so deserves. Some libraries have always put thought into this, others not so much (looking at you Harold Washington Library that you have to go to 3rd floor to get to the library). But even simple things that were brought up in the post like signage or arrangement are interesting because I don't think there is necessarily a right or wrong way to do it. There is probably always a better way but I think that's true of most anything. And these are often the things people don't talk about or share, you'll probably only see it by actually going into the library.

    I think think this actually ties into a discussion I saw on Twitter. With ALA upon us, some people were talking about whether such a large conference is the best 'learning experience'. I think this largely comes down to personal preference. Some people love the ALA conference, some like the newer un-conferences that are popping up, and other prefer smaller local conferences. For me, I find the actual experience of spending an hour in a library I'd never been in to provide just as much learning than probably any session, webcast, or seminar could.

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    1. I'll admit to stealing ideas from other libraries. There's also a bit of "well, we're doing it better" on occasion.

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  4. While I am not a librarian, I do love reading! I think it's a strong sign that you are very passionate about your job. I personally think it's wonderful that you love your work so much, you go out of your way to better your own library!

    Besides, I think books (and literature in general) are completely amazing! There is so much wonderful information out there, and so many vivid and amazing stories! Have you ever read a story, and then felt a little disappointed afterwards because it's not real?

    Whenever I hear about how the Ancient Library of Alexandria was accidentally burned down, it actually hurts to think of how much information and stories we've lost. I can't even fathom how librarians would feel about that.

    Visiting other libraries is a sort of quiet way to pay homage to the power, the awe, and the wonder of the written word. Even if another library may not be as good as one's own, it's still a library, and still deserving of respect.

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    1. "Whenever I hear about how the Ancient Library of Alexandria was accidentally burned down, it actually hurts to think of how much information and stories we've lost. I can't even fathom how librarians would feel about that."

      librarians just think "shoulda had a disaster plan".

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    2. A disaster plan that included a mirror site, right?

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  5. Whenever I visit a new city, visiting the local libraries is among the first things that come to mind (I moved a lot in college, and am the proud owner of a library card collection from various states). I just finished my MLS, but I've done this as long as I can remember, since I began traveling more on my own. I enjoy checking out how libraries in different communities are unique from each other-interior design and building architecture are usually points of interest, as well as how computer/info commons areas have been integrated into the space. I think I also greatly enjoy being able to visit the library as "just" a patron-I'm the one who gets to ask the questions, and it's other people helping me-not work!

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    1. Although I do feel guilty on the rare occasion when I do need help. "I'm a librarian. I should be able to figure this out!"

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  6. I do it too! When I was travelling a couple of summers ago I visited a number of libraries and blogged about it:

    http://grahamlavender.com/2010/08/12/library-tourism/

    I especially love old libraries with grand architecture, but I'm also curious to learn about what programs and services are being offered.

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    1. My favorites are the libraries that obviously used to be a mansion/big house and that have been converted. Cozy nooks and nice big rooms.

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  7. it's because we love our jobs, and because we are fortunate enough to work in something that is so beloved.

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    1. I do love my job, but I'm with Kelly (below). It's more the curiosity. That's not all it is, but that's definitely the biggest part of it.

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  8. yeah i love my jobs and books and all that, but what i really like to see is how another library works - what policies do they have? how are things organized? where are the librarians? the compare and contrast is more about libraries vs. The Library in my mind. though knowing that i have the ability to change "my" library if i come across a better practice is pretty exciting and a definite reason to look for new/better services and innovation.

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  9. I'm fascinated by library architecture and space planning, so I almost always visit libraries when I'm traveling. I hope to be involved in designing a new library someday. If I had a career bucket list that would be on it.

    In library school we had an assignment to come up with a reference question and go incognito to a public library somewhere in the area, posing as a patron so we could evaluate the librarian's service. I've never outed myself as a librarian on any vacation visits, but I always feel like a mole because of that assignment!

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