I wrote in my zine that I have a love/hate relationship with the New York Public Library (NYPL). A friend (who works there) asked my why, which I did, on Facebook. But I thought the discussion might be worthy of exposure beyond Facebook's walls.
Here is an edited version of my response.
LOVE
I love my local branch and picking up books there.
The .05 cent book sale slayed me. The price seems to have gone up to .50 cents now, though. What a rip! ;)
Local art shows
Classes
Being able to replace items you lose, rather than pay for them (and the fine you racked up waiting for the new DVD to come in)
The collection being browsable.
Picking up a bunch of holds.
HATE
The OPAC could of course be better
It's a real disappointment that NYPL often doesn't have a book I want, or takes forever to get it, especially when BPL and QPL have it.
I am of course appalled at the shenanigans in midtown
I wish they paid support staff and entry level librarians a better wage.
I wish the hierarchy and bureaucracy were less intense and that workers had a better say in how things are run.
That you have to pay $1 to place an ILL request, and according to one friend you're only allowed three ILL requests at a time, and since they take forever (if ever) to come in, you end up not being able to ask for all the books you need.
And I forget what all else because Facebook at my second wall post.
Comments
Matthew Sheehy (not verified)
Mon, 12/29/2008 - 8:15am
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I was glad to see your post
I was glad to see your post this morning. I work in the Reference and Research Services department of NYPL. Glad there are things we are doing well, and it is true there are things we could be doing better.
I will comment on two of your concerns. We will have a new OPAC in the summer of 2009. Please hang in there; it is going to be great.
We no longer charge the $1.00 fee for interlibrary loan. I have asked that the webpage you reference be updated. Also, we are joining a statewide group of libraries committed to sharing resources and we are changing our intra-library delivery system. We hope these actions will get books to you quicker. This should begin around April - but still working out the details.
Julie Turley (not verified)
Tue, 12/30/2008 - 6:58pm
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I like your lists. I would
I like your lists. I would add that a downside of that branch (and I could be wrong about the branch you're referring to)--and of most branches in the city--is the lack of a viable YA space. Teens in this particular neighborhood branch (if my "branch assumption" is correct) have to share the children's space and are constantly (and unfairly, i think) reprimanded by the children's librarian. As a patron looking on, it's disturbing. I saw a group of teens booted from this branch. This branch does offer a tiny "teen corner" partially bordered by same graphic novels on the main adult services floor, but I've never seen a teen using it.
Julie T. (not verified)
Tue, 12/30/2008 - 7:45pm
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also, did not mean to imply
also, did not mean to imply you should add the above to your hate list. i've put it on mine.
jenna
Wed, 12/31/2008 - 12:22pm
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I mostly go to Tompkins
I mostly go to Tompkins Square, but I'm not usually there long enough to observe patron behavior or librarian/patron interaction. I'm pretty much picking up my holds, pawing through the sale rack for treasures like Dick Gregory's autobio, and getting out. I went to Seward Park when I lived on Clinton St. but haven't been there in a long time. I also go by Ottendorfer and Morningside occasionally.