“Do not Disturb : How “Do not Disturb : How Not to Project Not to Project Aggressive Unfriendly Aggressive Unfriendly Library Rules” Library Rules” Library Rules” Library Rules” MRS. VICTORIA P. BALEVA Librarian In-charge Periodicals Unit Centro Escolar University April 27, 2011
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Do not disturb: how not to project aggressive, unfriendly library rules
lecture presented at PAARL's Summer National Conference on the theme "“Library Tourism & Hospitality: The Business of Endearing Philippine Libraries and Information Centers to Publics” (San Antonio Resort, Baybay Beach, Roxas City, Capiz, 27-29 April 2011) by Victoria Baleva
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The first thing is to define some very important terms and words.
Aggressive – characterized by aggression: aggressive behavior; marked by forceful energy or initiative
Negative – disagreeable ; unfavorable; marked by absence or removal of Something positive – the motivation of removal of Something positive – the motivation of shame
Project – To display outwardly especially to an audience
Friendly – showing kindly interest and goodwill; serving a beneficial or helpful purpose; cheerful ; comforting
Unfriendly – having no friends, hostility ; not befriended
Whichever they maybe positive or negative, rules are rules. In libraries, library rules and regulations are prescribed guides for conduct or action; the laws or regulations prescribed for observance by its library clientele or users.
Rules are the kind of thing you love when you want them, and hate when you don’t.
Let me show you a flow chart that comes with setting rules of today:
Rules Lack of Freedom
Stifled or Suppressed
Initiative and Creativity
Lack of Inspiration
An absence of new
ideas and innovation
Mediocrity, complacency,
apathy and boredom
What do you think, are they pretty, gloomy, or negative prospects ?
So what should be replacing these kinds of rules with? Clear expectations and well-defined successful outcomes.
Positive results to be effected to our customer - our library clientele.
Library managers/librarians should be able to define what success will look like and why that success will be meaningful, but have to get out of the way, allowing people to create how success can be attained. They must be able to allow the creative permission and the freedom in decision-making which will liberate and self-motivate them.
Positive rules Creative Freedom
Inspired Energy
an Abundance of New Ideas and Innovation
(Beautiful Ideas and Innovation)
Learning Excitement
Joy, Hope, Optimism and Enthusiasm
motivate them.
Then the flow chart begins to be changed to this:
We cannot attain positive results without creative inputs.
Gone are the days when rules used to be too stiff, strong, boring which become ineffective and were taken for granted, ignored, thus less considered.In this age of Library 2.0. The scenario definitely has a shift and has changed.
Customer-focused, friendly, creative, inviting, welcoming, full of dynamism should be part of our rules and regulations, policies, notices and directional signagessignages as well.Thus we should: Thus we should:
Manage to change. Ideas need to add up before they can multiply.
What are rules anyway?
Rules replace thought. If you know the rules. You can always know what to do.
Rules are comfortable. If you know the rules. You never have to stretch too far.
Rules are safe. You probable won’t get fired for following the rules.
Library Rules NEGATIVE POSITIVE
No eating, no drinking
No foods No drinks allowed eating is not allowed
Food is served at the school canteenPlease be advised that you may eat your snack/meal at the school canteen.
Drinking station is available at the lobby.
Foods and drinks are served at the school canteen.
No Entrance No ExitPlease use the CDL 2nd floor main door
for EXIT as you leave the library
premises.
Thank you.
SILENCE
Keep QUIET
QUIET AREA
Research Area
Periodicals Research Area
Periodicals Reading Area
DISCUSSION AREA LEARNING
COMMON
NEGATIVE POSITIVE
Rules work when the rate is slow enough that they can be adjusted before
they are irrelevant.
Can you think of some irrelevant rules in your library?
Worse than irrelevant, what rules are bringing negative effect to the
library’s success and thus bringing ineffective result to your library’s aim of
inviting and motivating users to come in to the library for research and reading.
There’s got to be periodic and regular revision of rules on a schedule; There’s got to be periodic and regular revision of rules on a schedule;
that is if you can’t find meaning in them – change and revise those rules from
negative make it more appealing, interesting to your patrons.
Do what you think is right – what will make your library be more successful in
its objectives.
Library Tourism encompasses how to stimulate, invite and attract our
customer’s and not to destruct, annoy, mislead and burden them – creating,
innovating and posting are three keywords.
Library rules and signages will
draw us closer to our valued
customer.
Rules must:Rules must:
1.Be eye-catching
2.Clearly convey message
3.Have signed word and symbols
4.Include notices and safety
information.
LIBRARY SIGNAGESLIBRARY SIGNAGES
. Way finding
. Identification Signage. Identification Signage
. Instructional Signage
. Emergency Signage
Way finding signs Way finding signs – means knowing where you are, your
destination, following the best route,
recognizing your destination, and finding
your way back out.
Research Area
Reading Area
Identification SignageIncludes signs that identify individual areas and
rooms, as well as signs that identify the objects and
applications found in these rooms.
� Internet stations
� Cybrary� Cybrary
� Research Area
� E-mail stations
� Learning commons
� Reference section/unit
� Circulation section/unit, etc.
Sign legibility is extremely important because users rely on