Librarians have traditionally been intermediaries guiding users to information. The
nature of the work done by librarian intermediaries has changed. The librarian has
moved from an observer in the wings to an active partner as librarians guide users to
appropriate information resources and advise on their use. Librarians are sometimes
now described as information consultants, knowledge brokers or knowledge
managers. As librarians market and promote their services, new skills and
knowledge are required. Librarians must be good at listening and responding. All
library staff are involved with client service delivery and all staff require training in
customer service – and it goes further than saying “Have a nice day”. The familiar
saying holds true – I do not care how much you know until I know how much you care.
Part of the service strategy is to reduce the number of service points and therefore
people with whom each user is involved – being directed from one spot to another can
be very frustrating. Recruiting staff that are highly service-oriented is paramount.
Librarians have all too frequently been characterized as fearsome gorgons and guards
who occasionally and begrudgingly assist users – rigid enforcers of rules, more
interested in themselves than the users. Bright, cheerful friendly professionals
providing quality service to all are required. Sorry, glad, sure is a training strategy that
has been used at McGill University Library. “I am sorry you have had a problem with
our service today. I am glad you have told me about it. I am sure we can do something
to fix the situation”. Liaison librarians who are attached to various categories of library
users are very important as personal promoters of library services. Liaison librarians
can be librarians on location – situated with groups of users they serve. Librarians
need to gain new skills and must be able to teach information literacy programs. In a
time of high tech, high touch is also important. Library users still require and
appreciate real help from real people – and they want to find those people easily