This week’s Session of the Week was submitted by Frank Wilmot, Denver PL. Frank praised this session because the chatting librarian used the library’s policy page to help this patron find a book that isn’t at his library. In this case, the library policy page instructs librarians to suggest the statewide union catalog (Prospector) first, which is exactly what the chatting librarian did. The patron was very pleased and said, in his post-chat survey: “9:00pm on a Sunday night and I get help from a useful librarian. Fantastic!”
Here’s the complete transcript, with personal details removed:
Patron: I'm looking for a copy of [name of book removed]. The database says that the book exists (phew!) but that there are no copies in the system. Does this make sense?
Librarian: Hi I'm [librarian’s name removed]. I am helping out your library as their staff aren't available to chat right now. I'm reading your question...
Librarian: I'm happy to help! I'll check to see what is going on. Sometimes if the last copy of a book is lost, the record stays in the system even with no copies.
Librarian: This may take a few minutes
Patron:Thank you...
Librarian: That seems to be what has happened. What you could try instead is to request it through Prospector. If you aren't familiar with that statewide request system, more info and the link is on this page
Librarian: [sends link to Prospector]
Patron: I'm familiar with Prospector. Thanks much for your help!
Librarian: No problem glad to help
Librarian: Did you need anything else tonight?
Patron: Nope, that's everything. Many thanks.
Patron ended chat session
Librarian: If you need further assistance, please feel free to contact us again. Thank you for using the service. Goodbye!
Submit your session of the week by sending it Quality [click on the Send to Quality link in the complete session view in the Review Transcripts tab, or email either [email protected] or [email protected]] and I’ll send a compliment to the chatting librarian as well. We have several other nominations which I will post in the coming weeks – thanks to all who have nominated a Session of the Week, and please keep the nominations coming in!
Comments