I was placed at St George TAFE Library for the Industry Placement in my (hopefuly) final semester of the Library Diploma course, which I am undertaking at Ultimo. Accordingly, I have been working at the St George TAFE library for 2 days a week since mid-March (except for holidays, of course).
It has been an interesting period for me. The library staff have been very kind and patient. My foolish questions must be very distracting, but they all have helped me whenever I have needed it, for which I am very appreciative.
I decided to demonstrate Inter Library Loans for my practical assessment, and the St George team were very helpful in demonstrating the correct procedures and supporting my efforts. I hope not too many ILLs were sent across the state to the wrong campus during my early efforts at getting it right. Anyway, it all seemed to work out well on the day, for which I am again grateful.
I have also been working as a casual in a public library, and it is interesting to compare the different environments. Of course the TAFE emphasis is on course material, while the public library tries to cover many fields. The Children’s area is missing from TAFE, of course, as is Large Print, Young Adult and Fiction. Tafe also interfiles the different media (CDs, DVDs, Videos, cassettes), plus the serials, with the books of all sizes. Not the form in a public library.
Without the Kids Section, the TAFE library is quieter (most of the time) than the public library, although the TAFE students have their moments when they act like little kids, and make the same kind of noise. The HSC students at the public library sometimes act in a similar way. Perhaps they are getting ready for the next stage of their education? The TAFE student priority seems to be getting at the computers. I am surprised that fights havn’t broken out, some of the student are so intense.
The main difference is in the throughput of borrowing and returns. Only a fraction of what the public library sees coming in and out every day goes through St George TAFE library. I’m sure the quality and the studious nature of the TAFE borrowers makes up the difference, with their care and appreciation of the items they borrow (perhaps).
Also, the TAFE has a bit more room for the staff to move. The public library is always cramped for space, in the sorting room and behind the counter.
Beyond that, what stand out to me is in the simularities between the two environments. Libraries and librarians have basically the same goals, and they try to achieve them despite the hassles of environment, budget and clients.
I have been very lucky to have experienced such different library environments before my career in libraries gets underway. I believe the time at St George TAFE library has given me a very good start. I wish the staff and students at St George all the best in the future. Who knows, you may see me again someday.
Glenn Hogue