Week Three:

After my compassionate leave last week, I didn't think that the coming week could be so bad. I was wrong. A few of the library staff didn't realise that I was a full member of staff. Instead, they thought that I was here on work experience. Therefore, the first few days of my week were... grim.


Monday
I covered a lot of books, and neatened up the ebook pages on the library catalogue. Kept quiet, and thought that they might just be deciding what it was I was supposed to be doing.

Tuesday
In the morning, I was told to cover some more books. So was left to wallow in my thoughts, until I decided to speak up, and get a little angry.

 I mean, I'm here to gain experience about what it means to work in a library in this sector. Yes, I know I need to know how to cover a book, but really.... all day? No. SO: I went and spoke to my lovely line manager, who agreed that it was unacceptable, so I went and sat on the issue desk for the remainder of the day.  I am fully understanding of the processes here now, so at least in one area, I am comfortable.

Wednesday
Much better

I put my finger in a lot of pies today. Felt good to feel like I was actually making some progress. I shelved a little, then went and shadowed on the helpdesk. This was good as I was able to pick up some of the common questions that staff and students ask, so I now know how to tackle them.

I then processed a few books that were left on the shelf. Keeping busy. Keeping busy.
Shelving. Lots and lots of shelving.

Thursday
On leave today, my partner graduated from the University I am working at. Lots of wine. Lots.

Friday
I have to admit, that this morning I had a lot of a boozy head. So cognative processes were s l o w.
However, press on. Again, I opened up on the issue desk, and focused on staying awake. I managed. Don't think anyone really noticed the hangover I was nursing. Secret's out.

After this, I went on a little treasure hunt around the shelves, and the workroom for some "missing books". I don't think that this had been done for a while, and a fair amount of books on the list were retreived and marked available once more. Surely this should be done more regularly?
returning missing books, talk with Ellen, matching heritage records with e stream records.

This afternoon, I had a chat with the Library Manager, who was able to tell me some more about the other library sectors that were open to me. Lets call it a pre-application lifeline?! And there it is. I survived week three. Daa dahhh!