Post on 14-Jul-2015
transcript
LIBRARY ETHNOGRAPHY
By Kenneth Taylor
Note: Some definitions in this presentation were acquired by using an online dictionary. Mrs.
Jones explained the areas, but for added clarity some formal definitions were obtained.
(Dictionary. Com)
Mrs. Teresa Jones
Children Librarian16 Years /Neva Lomason Library
Question #1 Ms. Jones I have never stepped
foot in a library. I am told that this is the
place to come for all types of books and
intellectual property. I would like to check
out a book to read. Will you assist me in
this process?
MJ: It would be my pleasure! Since you
have never been in a library, let’s start
with a library membership.
CIRCULATION DESK
KT: Okay, let’s get one.
MJ: Do you have a driver’s license?
KT: No I do not.
MJ: I need something to prove proof of
residency. Do you have a utility bill with
your name and address?
KT: Yes I do.
MJ: Great let me introduce you to the
library attendants at the circulation desk.
They will provide you with the necessary
documentation to obtain a library card.
KT: Great!
MJ: Okay now that you have a library card, what book would
you like?
KT: I'm not sure. Can you show me what's available?
MJ:As you can see, we have thousands of books. Which do
you prefer fiction or nonfiction books?
KT: Whats the difference?
MJ: Non-fiction refer to events that have actually
occurred, whereby fiction is literature that has been written to
entertain or deceive.
KT: Can you give me a tour of all the areas because I want to
check out more than one book.
MJ:Sure, I will guide you and explain the different areas of
the library. Do you have children?
KT: Yes I do.
MJ: Okay let's start in that area. First let me explain how to
use our computerized catalog system.
Alpine Station
Digital Catalog
Fiction A story invented and fashioned either
to entertain or to deceive.
Fiction books are not arranged chronologically
rather by the author’s last name.
Special Collections is the
Libraries' major resource for rare and
archival materials covering a broad range of
topics, formats, and periods
KT: What kinds of material are kept in this
section?
MJ: We keep items of value in this area. Old
papers, books, and articles that are only used
in-house. We do not allow this material to
leave our premises.
KT: What is the nature of this old material?
MJ: Well, we have census information and
historical documents pertaining to the county.
We have newspaper articles (Times Georgian)
that date back as far as the fifties. Most have
been put on film. We also have maps and old
journals.
Periodical Area
a magazine or other journal that is issued at regularly
recurring intervals
KT: How is this area utilized?
MJ: The periodical area is more of a leisure area. Some
people come to read the daily paper and others magazines.
KT: Do you only offer the local paper?
MJ: No, we have the local paper but we also subscribe to
other city and county newspapers. We also have The New
York Times and the Atlanta Constitution. This area can also
be used for research. Many people bring their laptops to
work on academic studies and then some just to surf the
internet.
KT: Do you have Wi-Fi?
MJ: Yes we do, the access codes are in the reference area
on a post like card.
KT: Do you provide electrical outlets to recharge laptops?
MJ: Yes we do. Each table is equipped with electrical
outlets.
COMPUTER
AREA
KT: I noticed the computer stations, are
they readily available?
MJ: They are assigned by the
circulation desk. All you need is your
library card and the attendant will
assign a station. Time limits do apply, if
all stations are in use and others have
signed in to utilize a
computer, otherwise you’re welcome to
use as long as you wish.
CULTURAL
ARTS SECTION
The gallery is intended for display of
artworks, performance space for
music
recitals, poetry readings, and other
arts and cultural events.