What do you do when a customer wants information off the Internet but wants you to perform the search? In Teaching Technology, one of five new video/manual courses in the Enhancing Communication series, a handful of vignettes are used to raise and explore thorny questions concerning the librarian's role regarding the use of in-library technology such as the Internet or CD-ROM towers. Skits explore the ostrich technique (a.k.a., the librarian's head-in-the-stacks avoidance method), and its obvious drawbacks, as well as alternative approaches such as staff training. One of the best suggestions is that the librarian simply be straightforward; that is, confess to the customer upfront that you too are a bit of a novice in the new technology arena, but that you're willing to help and learn. The other titles in the series are: Building Effective Relationships, Using Negotiation to Resolve Conflict, Managing Conflict, and Making Your Case. A fine series for helping staff confront some of the most pressing issues in librarianship today, this is highly recommended. Aud: P. (R. Pitman)
Enhancing Communication
(1996) 5 videocassette/manual courses. 15-20 min. each. $74.95 per course (series price: $370). Urban Libraries Council. PPR. Color cover. ISBN: 1-885251-14-9. Vol. 12, Issue 1
Enhancing Communication
Star Ratings
As of March 2022, Video Librarian has changed from a four-star rating system to a five-star one. This change allows our reviewers to have a wider range of critical viewpoints, as well as to synchronize with Google’s rating structure. This change affects all reviews from March 2022 onwards. All reviews from before this period will still retain their original rating. Future film submissions will be considered our new 1-5 star criteria.