LIBRARY ETHNOGRAPHY

By Kenneth Taylor

Note: Some definitions in this presentation were acquired by using an online dictionary. Mrs.

Jones explained the areas, but for added clarity some formal definitions were obtained.

(Dictionary. Com)

Mrs. Teresa Jones

Children Librarian16 Years /Neva Lomason Library

Question #1 Ms. Jones I have never stepped

foot in a library. I am told that this is the

place to come for all types of books and

intellectual property. I would like to check

out a book to read. Will you assist me in

this process?

MJ: It would be my pleasure! Since you

have never been in a library, let’s start

with a library membership.

CIRCULATION DESK

KT: Okay, let’s get one.

MJ: Do you have a driver’s license?

KT: No I do not.

MJ: I need something to prove proof of

residency. Do you have a utility bill with

your name and address?

KT: Yes I do.

MJ: Great let me introduce you to the

library attendants at the circulation desk.

They will provide you with the necessary

documentation to obtain a library card.

KT: Great!

MJ: Okay now that you have a library card, what book would

you like?

KT: I'm not sure. Can you show me what's available?

MJ:As you can see, we have thousands of books. Which do

you prefer fiction or nonfiction books?

KT: Whats the difference?

MJ: Non-fiction refer to events that have actually

occurred, whereby fiction is literature that has been written to

entertain or deceive.

KT: Can you give me a tour of all the areas because I want to

check out more than one book.

MJ:Sure, I will guide you and explain the different areas of

the library. Do you have children?

KT: Yes I do.

MJ: Okay let's start in that area. First let me explain how to

use our computerized catalog system.

Alpine Station

Digital Catalog

YOUNG ADULT

BOOKS

Mrs. Jones suggested a

start for all research

Children Book

Section

Children Book

Area

NON-FICTION

SECTION

Fiction A story invented and fashioned either

to entertain or to deceive.

Fiction books are not arranged chronologically

rather by the author’s last name.

Special Collections is the

Libraries' major resource for rare and

archival materials covering a broad range of

topics, formats, and periods

KT: What kinds of material are kept in this

section?

MJ: We keep items of value in this area. Old

papers, books, and articles that are only used

in-house. We do not allow this material to

leave our premises.

KT: What is the nature of this old material?

MJ: Well, we have census information and

historical documents pertaining to the county.

We have newspaper articles (Times Georgian)

that date back as far as the fifties. Most have

been put on film. We also have maps and old

journals.

Periodical Area

a magazine or other journal that is issued at regularly

recurring intervals

KT: How is this area utilized?

MJ: The periodical area is more of a leisure area. Some

people come to read the daily paper and others magazines.

KT: Do you only offer the local paper?

MJ: No, we have the local paper but we also subscribe to

other city and county newspapers. We also have The New

York Times and the Atlanta Constitution. This area can also

be used for research. Many people bring their laptops to

work on academic studies and then some just to surf the

internet.

KT: Do you have Wi-Fi?

MJ: Yes we do, the access codes are in the reference area

on a post like card.

KT: Do you provide electrical outlets to recharge laptops?

MJ: Yes we do. Each table is equipped with electrical

outlets.

REFERENCE

AREA

Area in the library where questions

are addressed

NEW BOOK

DISPLAY

COMPUTER

AREA

KT: I noticed the computer stations, are

they readily available?

MJ: They are assigned by the

circulation desk. All you need is your

library card and the attendant will

assign a station. Time limits do apply, if

all stations are in use and others have

signed in to utilize a

computer, otherwise you’re welcome to

use as long as you wish.

RESOURCE

AREA

CULTURAL

ARTS SECTION

The gallery is intended for display of

artworks, performance space for

music

recitals, poetry readings, and other

arts and cultural events.

CULTURAL

ARTS

EXHIBITS

MICROFILM

AREA

Some data (old) are put in digital

form

CIRCULATION

DESK

Area where books are checked out and

returned.