WORKING WITH THE PUBLIC

Remember, as a student employee, you are a representative of Mississippi College.  Your attitude will influence our patrons’ opinion of the library and of MC.  You are never given a second chance to make a first impression!

 

PUBLIC SERVICE GUIDELINES

 

TELEPHONE ETIQUETTE

 

DEALING WITH DIFFICULT SITUATIONS

 

PUBLIC SERVICE GUIDELINES

 

  • APPROACHABILITY - Be approachable.  Most students prefer to approach someone close to their own age rather than a librarian.  Be aware of your environment, and offer a pleasant greeting as someone approaches.  Do not be totally absorbed in your computer or work so that you do not notice what is going on around you.

 

  • CONFIDENTIALITY AND PRIVACY – Do not disclose patron information to anyone (including faculty), including what materials were checked out or what information was sought.  Treat all requests for information confidentially.  Do not reveal who has borrowed a certain item, and do not leave patron information on the computer screen longer than necessary.  If a person of authority needs information from library records, refer him to your supervisor or the Library Director.

 

  • ANSWERING QUESTIONS – If you don’t know with certainty the answer to a question, refer the patron to someone else.  Please do not give out misinformation!  If you are working a public service desk, do not try to answer involved questions about how to use an information resource or where to find information.  The Reference Librarians are often familiar with an assignment and can help the patron use the appropriate resources for the task.
     

 

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