Anonymous asked: I hate to say it, because I'm very much on your side most of the time and enjoy your work, but harping on libraries is like harping on schools. Underfunded, understaffed, overworked, and expected to perform miracles with very little. I'm sorry you had a bad experience with an OPAC and a librarian, but please don't make that a "state of the libraries" thing. The fact is that you were trying to do something the system doesn't allow, and it didn't work out.
There’s a 10,000 word post in my drafts folder that outlines the reasons libraries are doomed - well, potentially doomed.
I appreciate they’re underfunded, and the other points you raised, but don’t mistake the issue as a fault on my half.
Here’s a reminder of what happened - perhaps you can point out to me, where I’m doing something the “system doesn’t allow”.
I accessed the online catalogue, to reserve a book I wanted. The library has two copies of said book, across 15 branches, both of which were out on loan, to two different patrons. I reserved a copy - a miracle in and off itself, as my library used to have a - we’ll call it a “problem” whereby adults couldn’t borrow books that were classified as either Teen Extra, or YA.
Said policy sorry “problem with the system” has been resolved, it would seem, as I was able to reserve a copy.
I reserved a copy, on January 17th. At the time, the two copies that were out to other patrons, were due to be returned on:
- Copy #1: January 31st
- Copy #2: February 2nd.
Last night - thirteen days after I’d checked the status of my reservation, and nineteen days after I’d initially placed the reservation - and the two copies, which I’ll remind you should have been returned on January 31st, and February 2nd respectively, and which I’d had on reservation since January 17th, have been changed to:
- Copy #1: March 19th, 2012.
- Copy #2: March 2nd, 2012.
So please, explain to me where I’ve done something the “system doesn’t allow”. From my perspective, I reserved a title. The library system had two copies, both of which were out to other patrons.
Having checked one week after my reservation, I was still position #1 in the queue, and both books still had their original return dates.
Now, they’re suddenly showing new return dates.
BTW - If it helps your defence of the situation, two relatives of mine use the library system a lot more than I do, both of ‘em reserving their books online. This’ll be the fourth time this has happened. I initially assumed it was a mistake on the part of my relatives.
Clearly, it’s not.
