Secret Shopper

For my secret shopper assignment I went to Columbus' downtown library, the Bartholomew County Library. I go to this library from time to time, but my typical library mode is self-service. I know how to use the OPAC and other tools so typically I don't ask for help.

It was about 6pm and I meandered up to the desk where there were a couple of staff members. On the main floor there are four desk areas (Circulation, Reference, CD/DVDs and Computers). I skipped the circulation desk, no one was at the reference desk so I went to the computers area. It is very much in the middle of things anyways. It seemed like a good place to ask. There were two staff members at the desk and one other person waiting on help. As soon as they knew I wasn't there to sign up to use a computer the reference librarian (I am pretty sure that would be her title) invited me over to the reference desk since it was a "book question."

A the reference desk she asked what book I was looking for. I told her I didn't know, just a "a good one." She didn't hesitate and asked me what types of books I liked to read (one point, RL). I gave her a vague, but basically true answer -- "I like a variety of types of books, but I'm looking for something light hearted." She escorted me over to a display area for papers/documents. I've never actually noticed this area before... (another point, RL).

At the display she showed me several author list organized (and somewhat color coded) by genre. Romance was pink, Vampires were red... and there was also a list for Fantasy, which she said included some Science Fiction and a Cozy Mysteries list. She explained that Cozy Mysteries were less violent than other types of mysteries. She said a popular author from that list was Janet Evanovich.

Next, I told her I had heard of that author. I was agreeable to this suggestion and she showed me where the Evanovich books were and commented on how these books were organized by author's last name. She did warn me that sometimes Evanovich had some "adult" language in her books -- in case I might be sensitive to that (score again, RL).

She also mentioned that Sue Grafton had a similar style of books and she pointed out some "classic mysteries" but I was fine with the Evanovich. She gave me a little information on Ms. Plumb's life -- that her family and friends showed up again and again in her novels but the "mystery" part was pretty much enclosed with in one book. This came up because I expressed concern over picking a book that started in the middle of a series and not understanding what was going on.

After my reader's advisory sneak attack I asked another series of telling questions that I really did need the answers to! I was looking for legal papers to help a friend of mine out. The same RL was very helpful and showed me the screen while she pulled up the library's homepage, the Cengage- Learning database and options with in the legal papers.

My only beef with the experience was that this sweet older RL has a quiet voice. If she was turned away from me, I had a hard time hearing her. She was however, very helpful and she seemed very comfortable answering my RA questions.

Overall, props to BCPL!