What does an FCPL Information Specialist do?
Each time you visit a Forsyth County Public Library (FCPL) you see us at the desk and in the stacks helping patrons locate items: Information Specialists. Have you ever wondered what exactly Information Specialists do?
FCPL’s Information Specialists perform a variety of tasks to keep our libraries operating including locating materials for patrons in the library and requesting books for patrons from other libraries via interlibrary loans. Information Specialists also check out materials to patrons and collect fines and fees for damaged or lost items. Assisting patrons with technology and locating information online is another aspect of an Information Specialist's job.
FCPL’s slogan, #WeKnowBooks, aptly describes the staff that work behind the Ask Us desks. Information Specialists provide patrons of all ages with book recommendations both in-person and online. Helping patrons find books they’ll enjoy—even when they aren’t sure what they want to read—is where an Information Specialist's knowledge of books and genres comes into play. Information Specialists create displays and bookmarks to market the library's programs and materials and remove items that are in poor condition or no longer circulating.
Information Specialists plan and promote library programs for adults like book clubs and cultural programs. Some library programs involve working with presenters while other times Information Specialists share their own knowledge and expertise.
When COVID-19 kept patrons from visiting our libraries, Information Specialists created virtual programs and interactive sites, bagged items for curbside pickups, and answered patrons' questions via telephone and online chat. Even library craft programs continued during the shutdown with Grab and Go bags and online sharing and instruction.
Information Specialists interact with all kinds of people every day. In recent years, libraries have become popular community spaces and it's interesting to see the variety of groups and individuals utilizing study rooms and meeting spaces once again. In connecting patrons with needed resources and services every day, Information Specialists play a vital role in their local communities. For a book lover like myself, the best part is being surrounded by books and people who appreciate them.
Alicia Cavitt
Information Specialist
#WeKnowBooks
Editor's Note: Check our website for current job openings at FCPL!
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