Apparently, there are going to be some big changes at the Undergraduate Library. The changes are effective September 1st, 2010 which also marks the beginning of fall semester at WSU. To say that I am thrilled about the changes would be a lie, but change is a part of life. It’s funny because almost two weeks ago Mike Hawthorne, the Manager of Access Services, approached me about the Info Fair. He asked me to help work the Info Fair and I eagerly accepted, without fully understanding what I would be discussing and/or doing.
I didn’t learn until the week of the Info Fair what I would be discussing. After I arrived to work last Monday, a co-worker made me aware of the changes taking place at the UGL. The information and the circulation desks will be combined into a one-stop service desk. Meaning, Graduate Student Assistants and/or Librarians will soon be fulfilling their reference duties at the circ desk. In the fall, the library will also setup self-look up systems at the old information desk. These look up systems will serve as options for viewing the University Libraries catalog.
Hence, the topic I was assigned at the Fair centered on the combined service desk at the UGL. I was partnered with Lori Lemanski from the circulation department and together we braved this presentation. The word “braved” was used because when some Wayne State employees learned of the combined service desk, they didn’t hesitate to voice their dismay. Personally, it got to a point where I could do nothing but chuckle at some of the attitudes/comments expressed. Towards the middle/end of our presentation the overall announcement of the UGL's combined service desk seemed to be better received.
My Thoughts: Again, I am not completely sold on the one-stop service desk. A change of this nature will require some adjustments for not just the circ staff but also the GSA’s. A big concern for me lies in the preparation of this change, or the lack of time to prepare. The combined desk goes into affect September 1st and that date is just a couple of weeks away. While I’ve had some circulation experience from my old job, a refresher on checking in/out books wouldn’t hurt. My fear is that a lot of things will be learned not from a training session, but once fall semester kicks off into full gear! Someone today said it best; we’re going to be the guinea pigs used for the implementation of this combined service desk. Knowing that I’m going to be a “guinea pig” doesn’t excite me, but without change how can there be progress?
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