Heather and I completed our virtual interview Tuesday evening. Librarian Louise said we did a good job. I was nervous to help Heather, but as she asked her questions, surprisingly I knew where to go to show her what she needed. Not being able to see Heather's face as I was helping her was strange. Facial expressions are important to help you see how the patron may be reacting to you. Another concern would be no computer glitches - either on the part of the librarian or the patron. I was so worried as I was helping Heather that my computer wouldn't work. In talking with Librarian Louise afterwards, she reminded us that it is okay to admit that we don't know, but that trying to help the patron was very important. She also stated that a lot of people have the "McDonald's mentality" in that people want the answer right away. With virtual reference obviously that isn't going to happen; that it will take a little time to find was is being requested or asked.
All in all this was a good experience. I surprised myself in that I do know where some things are in the virtual world to help someone. We don't realize how much we do know until we have to show it.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment