Practicum Site: McAllen Public Library Main Branch, McAllen, Texas
Dates: Monday, August 28th and Friday, September 1
Monday, August 28th
I was assigned to the Children's Department this week since the Teen Department supervisor is out on vacation. After finalizing my paperwork with the administration secretary, I shadowed one of the children's librarians, Heather. She gave me a tour of the children's sections, showing me where the grade level, graphic novel, and new book arrivals were located. I also learned the children's department created a new "Parent Help" section filled with books that parents could check out for help on topics such as autism, helping children navigate elementary school, and helping children cope with separation and divorce. Having these parent resources available in the children's section allows the parent to peruse the helpful titles while staying in the same area their younger children may be using.
Since it was the first week of school for most local school districts, the library was quiet. I shadowed Heather as she helped several children find books on requested subjects such as Minecraft, Captain Underpants, and "a book about twins who are always fighting with each other." I am realizing the importance of staying current with children's interests since many of the books the children were looking for were unfamiliar to me. If a book was unavailable, the children's librarian, Heather, was able to suggest several other book titles similar to the requested title so the child still had something to read. As a future librarian, it would be helpful to know additional book titles so children have more options when selecting a book.
Friday, September 1st
Today was my first full day at the McAllen Library so I was given a full tour of all the departments and areas of the library. I was shown how to use the LS2 Staff system so that I could check out books to patrons, create new library cards, and clear library fines. I was also shown how books are returned through the library's conveyor belt, and how books are processed and reshelved upon their return. I shadowed the welcome and information desk personnel to learn more about customer service.
I also shadowed in the library's computer lab where patrons are able to access computers, wifi, printers, and fax machines. I was pleasantly surprised to see that the library owns several 3D printers and allows for patrons to use it for their own projects. I was shown how the 3D printer works, how to set up the extractors for use, and how to access the program files needed to construct a 3D print. I was thrilled to create a 3D print of a cat!
Since it was Hispanic Heritage Month as well as Library Card Sign-Up Month, I set up the children's department's book display. I was surprised that the department's book display is in the middle of the collection and the book covers face away from incoming traffic. Young children would not be able to see these special-themed books unless they ventured towards the middle of the room (of which many do not). I would think that having the book display at the entrance of the department with the title's facing outwards towards patrons would better entice young children to pick up and preview the book.
After I set up the book display, I took the previous month's display books and changed their collection status in the LS2 system (New Arrival books changed back to Juvenile/Childrens). Once completed, I helped cut out the Teen Titans Display figures that had been painted the day before for display in the children's section. During closing time (approximately 20 minutes before doors close), I helped clean up the children's area, pushed in seats, powered down computers, and disinfected toys with the help of the Children's Department Assistant, Erin.
First week reflections: After my first week, I am excited that I will be completing my practicum at the McAllen Public Library. I was able to meet most of the full time staff who were very helpful in explaining what they do, how things run, and how they help provide the best service to patrons. It was great seeing them work independently within their own departments as well as part of a larger team. I am looking forward to what the next few weeks will bring.
