First Day: Introduction to the Public Library

Wednesday, June 8th, 2022, 9am-1pm

    Today was my first day at the Round Rock Public Library (RRPL). My practicum will include time in Youth and Adult Services, but for this first week, I will be spending all of my time at the Adult Services Desk. The first order of business was to get a tour from my site supervisor, Geeta Halley. Geeta is the Assitant Library Director.  RRPL has been my hometown library for the past seventeen years, but it was still quite the experience to see the library's inner workings and behind-the-scenes areas. From the librarian offices to the circulation room to the technical/cataloging rooms, there is a whole world in the library that the public has no idea about. RRPL is building a new library just across the street from the current site. Geeta proudly showed me the new building being constructed right before their eyes across the street. She commented that being a part of the building committee has made her aware of every square inch of the building and that it has been a fantastic experience to see it being built. 

    After the tour, I spent the rest of the time shadowing Edward Young, the Adult Services Manager. Most of the day was spent helping patrons book the study spaces and helping patrons scan and make copies. One particular patron needed help uploading a document for a flight she would take in a few days, and this task ended up being a lengthy multi-step process. After talking to my husband about my day, he was confused because my day was spent on mundane tasks. He asked, "What does that have to do with the library?" I reminded him that libraries are not just places where people go for books and information resources but where local residents go to get assistance with everyday tasks. Overall my day was uneventful but a great start to my practicum. Everyone was friendly and helpful.  

Example of computer stations and where patrons needed the most service.

Sara Gandaría-Escamilla Geeta Halley, Site Supervisor Practicum Schedule