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Jennifer Gifford commented on the post, Assignment X – The Open Library Model, on the site 3 days, 4 hours ago
Hi there Carly! When reading about the concept of nudging – i.e. essentially encouraging patrons to interact with one another in the place of staff, I was first maybe thinking it was a form of behavior compliance encouragement with some informal readers advisory thrown in. I completely understand your comment about it being an uncomfortable…[Read more]
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Jennifer Gifford wrote a new post on the site Read Another Day 1 weeks ago
Assignment X – The Open Library Model
In module three, the Hyperlink Library Model is explored with emphasis on participatory services and how important it is library services […] -
Jennifer Gifford commented on the post, About me, on the site 2 weeks, 2 days ago
Hi there Isabel! I’ve always been partial to taking summer classes in college because of the condensed schedule – I stay focused and don’t get too distracted or bored as there’s so much to do! I commend you taking three classes however… There is no way I’d be able to manage that! Good luck this semester with working full time and all your classes!
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Jennifer Gifford commented on the post, About me, on the site 2 weeks, 6 days ago
Hi there Rachel. I really wouldn’t be able to do all that I do without my attentive and one-track mind partner. He really does keep me organized and reminds me of my priorities! As for the multi-tasking at my job – I do believe that as the library profession evolves, efficient multi-tasking will be a common requirement due to the condensing of job…[Read more]
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Jennifer Gifford commented on the post, Action Item: Share Your Intro Post Here!, on the site 3 weeks ago
Hello everyone! Here is my introduction post:
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Jennifer Gifford wrote a new post on the site Read Another Day 3 weeks ago
INFO 287- Introduction Post
Good afternoon! My name is Jennifer and I am very excited to be taking this course on the Hyperlinked library and the future of […]-
Hi Jennifer. I am in awe that you are able to balance full-time work, the MLIS program, a one-year-old, and a high-schooler. That is some top-level multitasking! It sounds like you also have to do a lot of multitasking in your library assistant job. Once you complete your MLIS are you hoping to stay on in your public library, or do you have a different library passion you want to pursue?
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Hi there Rachel. I really wouldn’t be able to do all that I do without my attentive and one-track mind partner. He really does keep me organized and reminds me of my priorities! As for the multi-tasking at my job – I do believe that as the library profession evolves, efficient multi-tasking will be a common requirement due to the condensing of job positions and the changing needs in the traditional public library setting.
I do enjoy working in a public library setting, so I would not mind to further my career in public librarianship. I would also not mind working in a records management position somewhere down the line!
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Hey Jennifer, I definitely agree that multi-tasking seems to be an everday facet of library work! My job title is cataloging, acquisitions, and metadata librarian, but I also spend time doing displays, merchandising the collection, helping with strategic planning, and conducting usability tests. On the one hand, this type of flexibility can be stressful (as we add more to our already full plates). But, it can also be fulfilling to be able to flex our muscles and pursue our passions in different aspects of library work.
I’m looking forward to seeing where you end up! I am partial to public libraries (I am currently working in my fourth one). But, there are also so many other fun information professions to explore!
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Hi Jennifer, love that picture of the aquarium – I was born in Torrance, CA , near you, but lived most of my life in Washington State. I’ve been to Long Beach more than a few times to visit family. I think I’ll always be a aquarium/zoo person so thanks for the pic!
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Hello, Jennifer! How nice to meet you through this digital space. This class is definitely one that I am looking forward to for the same reason you say, to help navigate the evolution of library services!
Thank you for sharing these pivotal moments of your educational journey so far. Also, aquariums are one of the best places in the world, in my opinion (besides the library, of course).
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@giffordlore Gorgeous photo! So excited you will be graduating in spring 2025. Yay for your background that brought you to librarianship. I think your previouys degree will serve you well. I hope you enjoy your explorations.
Welcome to #hyperlib!
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Jennifer Gifford changed their profile picture 3 weeks, 2 days ago
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Jennifer Gifford posted an update in the group
Break the Ice: Binge-Worthy 3 weeks, 2 days agoI have been taking advantage of my little bit of free time from school over the past few weeks to catch up on all the new Bluey season 3 episodes! My kids really enjoy the show so I have tried to keep up, especially with the specials over the past month. It’s such a cleverly written show with a social commentary that I can appreciate.
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Bluey is so well-crafted! That episode about selling their house? Oh goodness. The end of every episode hits right in the feels. And the takeout food episode — so relatable. The one when they play in the rain? The episode is art. I love it all. Which is all to say, that’s usually on and appreciated at our house, too. 🙂
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First- Thank you for sharing your personal experience. I also prefer self-checkouts mostly because I am shy and the idea of not having to make small talk with a cashier is a boon in my mind.
Second -“My first question about this service which allows patrons to roam an unstaffed library was how does this concept of self-service in a library equate to a thriving participatory service that encourages interaction between library staff and the patrons they serve?” What a great question. I have never considered the deficit created by the lack of service. (Like a said small talk- yikes!)
It seems from the blog post and from what you have reported that interaction and cooperative definitely suffers at least from a patron and staff stand point.
I also have a thought about the “nudging” idea this goes against my every instinct as a women. Especially as I assuming a women in a scenario in which she is visiting a library after hours possibly alone.
Hi there Carly! When reading about the concept of nudging – i.e. essentially encouraging patrons to interact with one another in the place of staff, I was first maybe thinking it was a form of behavior compliance encouragement with some informal readers advisory thrown in. I completely understand your comment about it being an uncomfortable concept. I did find another article on the subject of open libraries and the issue of who’s likely to use “staff-less” libraries is commented on. There is conflicting data with studies showing that more men are comfortable entering in one case (Norway), and women are equally comfortable in another (Denmark). My thought in regards to the conflicting data is that the comfort level of patrons (women in particular) in an unstaffed library might be dependent on the cultural norms of the location.
If anyone is interested in further reading, this page has a comprehensive list of articles pertaining to the topic, primarily UK and Europe related.
Hi Jennifer,
The Open/Self-Service model is interesting, and I feel you’ve presented some thoughtful points about both the benefits of increased access and convenience and some possible problems like staffing cuts and security.
My college library has adopted some of the open model since we reopened after the pandemic shutdown, although we had self-checkout for a while before that. We also observed through usage statistics that even pre-2020, we would get very few questions, few items were signed out during evenings and weekends, and those who did stay wanted study space or computer access. On the other hand, online chat help was incredibly busy during evenings and weekends with reference questions, as students would be home working on assignments.
We’re now staffed 9-5 during weekdays, but the space stays open evenings and weekends as a study hall, with things like book lockers allowing users to pick up their holds after hours. Our evening and weekend staff now work on online chat remotely. As you mentioned, we do get extra support from security during un-staffed hours.