I have often heard the comment that working in a library must be a very easy going job.  In fact before I started working for the Bossier Parish Library system I thought the same thing.  It just seemed to me that working with books in a place where people wanted to be, as opposed to where they had to be, would be the perfect occupation.

Well, for me it is the perfect occupation and has been for almost ten years.  But there is so much more to a library than just checking out books or shelving.

For instance, last week several department heads gathered together at the Central branch with one of the book reps to select books for the coming year.  There were boxes on top of boxes that were carried in by hand truck and spread out for them to go through.  It took most of the day for them to make their selections because these librarians put a lot of thought into what they select.

These books will arrive at various times during the coming year.

There are several people throughout the library that select books all year long from catalogs: the head librarian, reference librarian, children’s librarian, chief of technical services, chief cataloger, and children’s acquisitions librarian.

These books usually arrive in a matter of a few weeks.  They are shipped by UPS, checked in from the packing slips, sent to a cataloger to be entered into the system, book jackets are put on, and then they are given a barcode and scanned in.  Each branch is delivered their share of books from the orders received via interlibrary transfer.  

Next, the books are taken to each branch’s Circulation Desk where they are checked in, holds are placed, and the rest are shelved in the new books sections of the libraries.  Patrons are then called to pick up their “Holds.”  

All that takes place behind the scene before you find the book that you have been looking for on the shelf at you local library branch.    

If you or your group would like to schedule a tour of the library or History Center you may call the library at 746-1693, or the History Center at 746-7717.  We are always happy to show you first hand the inner workings of our library.

Recently I was invited to talk to a wonderful organization, the Mother’s Club in Bossier City.  We met at a local restaurant where I was greeted with friendly smiles and warm hospitality.  Much to my delight I recognized many of the ladies there.  I was among friends!  I talked about my favorite subject of course…the library.   

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