tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-198438497926293386.post4954781465145596204..comments2023-09-03T06:07:39.002-05:00Comments on Time Out: Circulation Workers, Beware!Chellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04506296443676360367noreply@blogger.comBlogger8125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-198438497926293386.post-75051577549842089442010-05-04T13:58:25.531-05:002010-05-04T13:58:25.531-05:00Couldn't agree more with you, Chelle. I avoid...Couldn't agree more with you, Chelle. I avoid the self-service checkouts on principle...cuts human jobs. I'd rather pay a few cents more for an item and see someone keep a paying job, especially in this economy.howayahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13474239282178908724noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-198438497926293386.post-10681407073346031062010-05-02T22:11:31.674-05:002010-05-02T22:11:31.674-05:00You know, a lot of libraries have gone to the elec...You know, a lot of libraries have gone to the electronic check-out system. It's convenient in a lot of ways, but I don't like it. I don't use the library as often as I probably should (I can't bear to part with books I've read -- I have a very cluttered house as a result!), but this was something that disturbed me when it first began to happen -- libraries used to be a very personal place, and they are becoming less so. <br /><br />I'm really sorry to hear that it's getting worse. :(<br /><br />I have an <a href="http://true-confessions-of-a-bibliophile.blogspot.com/2010/05/what-sunday-awards.html" rel="nofollow">award</a> for you today... I hope it brings a smile to your face!Beckihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05653705153684883155noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-198438497926293386.post-29040897286430584102010-05-02T06:47:52.677-05:002010-05-02T06:47:52.677-05:00A very thought provoking post which is I think com...A very thought provoking post which is I think coming to pass in a lot of developed countries. In third world countries where jobs are desperately needed I doubt it happening for a long long time. Its only the ATM machine I can identify with and I do know lots of people by pass this and go to a teller at the Bank!Mysticahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10941269615559681014noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-198438497926293386.post-21422690882786265192010-05-01T23:00:34.043-05:002010-05-01T23:00:34.043-05:00Buffy - You make a really good point about self-ch...Buffy - You make a really good point about self-checks making patrons comfortable. That idea never crossed my mind!<br /><br />Kay - It sounds like self-checks were invalubale for your library. Mine is busy but never overwhelmed like that!<br /><br />I think my job is fairly secure although last year there were several cuts to fulltime and sudent positions. My circ dept was consolidated with the media and the media student workers all lost their jobs. It was a sad time. So, despite the finacial aid our jobs aren't solid. <br /><br />Thanks for all the imput!Chellehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04506296443676360367noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-198438497926293386.post-53746180531338016522010-05-01T22:15:54.868-05:002010-05-01T22:15:54.868-05:00I agree with Diane. The branch of the library tha...I agree with Diane. The branch of the library that I just retired from had 3 self-check machines, 2 in the adult section and 1 in the children's area. They were busy a lot and we encouraged that. Our branch was the busiest in the city except for the main library and we were overwhelmed even in winter. Summer is insane. As there had been hiring freezes and such, the self-checks were needed. Many people did still have to come to the circulation desk for library cards, to pay fines, renew their account, reader advisory, check out a book that wouldn't work on the self-check. I think it will be a while before circulation staff is unnecessary in most libraries. The focus of the staff may be on other areas though.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-198438497926293386.post-26777175329678718612010-05-01T20:57:05.742-05:002010-05-01T20:57:05.742-05:00Our library already has one "self-check out&q...Our library already has one "self-check out". It is the new wave and it's inevitable that we will see more of it. IMO, colleges will be slower to replace circulation staff, as students depend on financial aide and so those jobs should remain for a while.(Diane) Bibliophile By the Seahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10519875632878992728noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-198438497926293386.post-56848384461555125172010-05-01T20:19:31.451-05:002010-05-01T20:19:31.451-05:00I've heard rumblings that our local library is...I've heard rumblings that our local library is heading this way as well. As you say, I like having the option of working with a real person. <br /><br />I wonder if one potential positive (aside from libraries being able to cut costs) is that patrons would feel more at ease when checking out certain books? And I don't necessarily mean (only) "adult" books -- maybe someone needing to practice 7th grade math in order to get a GED, or something like that? <br /><br />I think I'm mostly with you, Chelle. But then, I'm a Luddite that way. ;)Buffyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11783249235316097340noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-198438497926293386.post-83767466121137533572010-05-01T20:11:49.143-05:002010-05-01T20:11:49.143-05:00It's unfortunate, but I don't think you ar...It's unfortunate, but I don't think you are being paranoid at all. Technology is replacing jobs in numerous industries. I've not used the self serve check out in the library as its usually not very busy when I'm in there. I have used them in the grocery store and can appreciate them as I usually have just a handful of items. It is more efficient to do it myself than to wait behind someone with a large order.Teresahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01337919035210017251noreply@blogger.com