Working in Public Libraries

Librarians who work in public libraries fulfil a broad spread of information needs.As well as adults who read for pleasure the library strives to meet the needs of adult learners,children of all ages and special interest groups eg.people who are currently enemployed or owners  of small businesses who are interested in commercial information.

Since the introduction of the Peoples Network which is a free internet service funded by the New Opportunities Fund public librarians have been fully trained in ICT. Public librarians are now expected to to be proficient enough to be able to assist members of the public in the use of ICT. 

The work activities of public librarians include

• selecting resources ie.books,journals,CDs
• organising resources so they are accessible to users
  
• assisting members of the public from all ages in using ICT
• developing in-depth knowledge of the stock to answer enquiries from users 
• promoting library use through displays and talks
• organising library provision to different sections of the community eg. people who are housebound,schools and pre-school groups
• undertaking reader development activities
• working with other relevant bodies eg.museums to ensure the library is at the heart of any community initiative
• working with people who may feel excluded from public libraries particularly those who have difficulty with reading