And today's controversy is ....

... is buying books a core function of a one-person library Librarian? And if so, should it be done during work hours? And if a 35% discount is available for purchases made "in person", should that purchasing be done during work hours if the preferred supplier is off-site and does not provide an online purchasing facility?

Until the last few weeks I would have said yes to all the above. Yes, book buying is a core function. Yes, it should be conducted in work hours. Yes, a 35% discount is well worth the "transfer of duties" to the off-site supplier.

Anyways, seems that a particular "site manager" does not completely agree. "Adequate notice" must be given. What is "adequate"? 24 hours? 48 hours? 3 weeks? This particular - and seemingly quite reasonable - question is not able to be answered without yet another meeting.

Oh, and the library in question being a school library, let's not forget that the daily routine can change from day to day. Which leaves the question of "how much notice" is "adequate" a somewhat moot point. Factors such as weather, excursions, exams, etc mean that a suitable opportunity may unexpectedly occur at little or no notice for book reviewing, purchasing, customer/reader input, publishing advisory services, etc.

But what would a multi-certified professional librarian know? Right?

Sigh.

Just "Duties as Directed"?

Tuesday at the Day Job Library school is sports day, where all staff cheerfully tootle off to various sporting activities. Sure I've got a pommie tan, but check that jaunty angle of the cap, and the lanyard with a whistle!

Mind you, the day before I wore my batgirl t-shirt - but that doesn't mean I can fly.

But what a terrific display of "how-to" books on drawing; manga, fantasy, trees, cartoons, boats, kangaroos, more (but different) manga, a little bit of this, and a little bit of that. Displays are such fun ... not to mention how they can help highlight gaps in the collection. I did find out that we didn't have anything on drawing breath, water, or the short straw ...