Below is my direct email to Sue Grant which echoes the comments of others.
Modes of face to face communication are always worth examining.
And the web reveals that this is another US practice which has taken a
little time to cross the Atlantic.
Edward Dudley
Of No Fixed Professional Abode
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-----Original Message-----
From: Edward Dudley [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: 10 February 2010 12:55
To: 'Sue Grant'
Subject: RE: Roving off to a slow start?
Dear Sue Grant
A very long time ago I was a public librarian without a roaming or roving
enquiry service. But when from my desk (which had a sign saying please
interrupt me) I saw a reader baffled by catalogue and shelf arrangement
(mute enquiry?) and looking around for a helpful sign, I would offer help
with appropriate body language and tone of voice.
Perhaps some of your readers are put off by the formality of lanyard and
clip board. Why not try testing informal approaches and compare responses
with formal approaches?
Greetings
Edward Dudley
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-----Original Message-----
From: A general Library and Information Science list for news and
discussion. [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Sue Grant
Sent: 10 February 2010 12:05
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Roving off to a slow start?
Hi,
Just a quick question for anyone who has so far tried a roaming or roving
enquiry service.
We have just started a trial during our busiest hours, but we are getting a
disappointing level of take up from our readers, who almost hide when they
see us coming! I am wondering if anyone else found that this sort of
service got off to such a slow start, and whether things picked up or not?
We are using regular Help Point staff, wearing a red library lanyard & ID
card, and carrying a clipboard with 'Ask Me' in red.
Any tips or reassurance would be much appreciated.
Thank you.
Sue Grant
Team Leader, Public Services
Mile End Library
Queen Mary, University of London
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