Google/Not Google Assignment

I had to do an assignment for my Reference class in which we had to use a library resource and a non-library resource to answer the same question. I would love to say that using the library resource is much easier but I would be LYING! It was so much easier to use a search engine or wiki to find the answers online! I think that library resources need to do some reconfiguration or redesign that makes them more user-friendly!

Shopping...

I went Christmas shopping today with my mom and sister and it reminded me of my library. Why in the world would shopping remind me of my library? I think it's because I know that wherever I go, I have a whole world of resources at my fingertips. No, I'm not talking my Treo, I'm talking my reference librarians! I don't know how many times I have been out shopping and needed info on store locations, hours, etc. One call to my library gets me EVERYTHING! I know I sometimes drive them crazy but why wouldn't I call them? They know it all or they find it for me! On incident stands out in my mind. I once called to have them calculate the diameter of my pool so I would know how many lights to buy to go around it! They had to call me back on that one but when they did - they had the answer and the formula to determine it again! Reference librarians are a shoppers best friend!

Not at the Reference Desk

Okay, so I posted about having NO questions while on duty at the reference desk. Wouldn't you know that I'm at the library Wednesday doing my Google/Not Google homework and I get asked a reference question! I actually got asked if the library had information on some kind of engines (sorry, can't remember what kind of engine it was - I was in shock). Where was this person when I really was working the reference desk!? Because I was on a time schedule, I answered it as fast as I could - I got the reference librarian on duty - who had the information within a minute! :) My library has awesome reference librarians - they rock!