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bookwormishnerd
bookwormishnerd
Passing the time during slow periods at the reference desk
Jun 8 2008, 12:22 AM EDT | Post edited: Jun 8 2008, 12:22 AM EDT
At the reference desk, frequently there are slow periods when no one is in line and no one appears to need help. What productive things can you do to pass the time? (besides checking email?)

Here are my ideas:

*Ask a lead librarian if there is a project or something you can help out with.
*If you can leave the reference desk for awhile, offer to help shelve, fill up the display area with books, or walk around and tidy up.
*Read up on Web 2.0 and serving teens in the library and post your findings here.
*Read articles and blogs on librarianship
*Explore the features on the Staff Web, and the websites (both Minneapolis and Suburban). Check out some of the recommended weblinks and the databases and practice searching in them.

Anything else? Do you find this valuable?    
Keyword tags: reference desk
bookwormishnerd
bookwormishnerd
1. RE: Passing the time during slow periods at the reference desk
Nov 22 2008, 5:48 PM EST | Post edited: Nov 22 2008, 5:48 PM EST
Also want to add browsing through the information desk manual at your library and also explore some of the reference books and sources behind the desk.

 Do you find this valuable?