Category: 647

The initial class culture and discussion last week provided me with a sense of welcoming and a general feeling that the entire course is going to be enjoyable this semester. The personality of a course is extremely important, especially when a group of individuals with very similar interests comes together. The learning opportunities from our varying experiences and interests, in a class with a positive culture, can shape us in ways I cannot wait to discover.

I often forget the many ways that people can go into the library profession, as I tunnel vision more often than not in my own quest for knowledge. Therefore, the introductions in the class where we discussed our interests in the library field and unique things we think of when defining libraries opened my eyes to many things I had previously not considered. Though I know the University of Michigan is known for some of its interesting collections, like the Computer and Video Game Archives (CVGA), and the research I have done in my past academic career can also be considered unorthodox (women’s baseball history and comic book history), I often forget just how unique some approaches to library collections can be. The sense of safe spaces and the later discussion on what libraries mean as being “for everyone” also piqued my interest, and I am intrigued on where that discussion will take us a few weeks from now when we address the issue at length.

These differing interests in libraries and their services were further highlighted in our discussion of Zingerman’s Guide to Giving Great Service, when the aspect of service and customer service were discussed at length about how varying positions in libraries may provide different opportunities for service. While I clearly see librarianship as a service industry where my interaction with clients and users are paramount to providing good information services, understanding other perspectives for positions that may not deal with the public face-to-face and their understanding of customer service was also enlightening. Kristin made an interesting point as well, when she stated that although there are positions where face-to-face customer service is not necessarily part of the job, understanding what the customer needs is essential, and, therefore, provides customer service without requiring the customer interaction.

I’m Kaitlyn Haines, but I go by Kate, and I’m from Fairmont, West Virginia. I spent the last six years in Huntington, West Virginia at Marshall University getting two bachelor’s and a master’s degree. I work with an organization called the International Women’s Baseball Center selling merchandise to raise money to build a museum and education center, which I hope to run one day. I am a huge sports fan, especially baseball, soccer and hockey. I also enjoy comic books, movies, and learning about sharks. Learning new things and taking on new challenges fuels my motivation, and, often, my inspiration.