Whilst at the
reference desk,
the wearing of professional & appropriate Apparel
will enhance a Librarian’s chances of receiving Respect from
Patrons.
Do not berate Students
for
their Ignorance, nor belittle their quaint Notions of
Manuscripts & the Methods of their Organisation. Instead be
content
to explain these
Methods
and gently offer Advice without Commentary on the
lack of Effort or Persistence shown by the Student whilst in
search
of
Knowledge.
Respond not in Anger
to Requests
made in Haste or in the grip of great Anxiety. Patience in the service of
Education
is beneficial, not only
for
one's own Tranquility, but as an Example to be emulated by a
Student
in sore need of
such.
While it is often
necessary
to decline to complete a student's own Work, this should not be
done
in such a way as to cast Doubt on the student's Ability or
Aspersions
on the Diligence of the student in completing a Task.
Explanations of a
Technical
Nature should be offered in plain & simple Language,
rather than taken as an Opportunity to flourish one's own great
Mastery
& Knowledge of a Subject.
Comment not on the
apparent
Sloth of the Student in the service of his Education.
When asked a Question
of Fact,
try not to answer unless you have perfect
Certainty of the Truth of your Answer.
Strong food &
drink should
not be kept at or near the Reference Desk.