The nature of this issue’s theme, one-on-one services, gives us the opportunity to reflect on the more quotidian aspects of library work. Why? Because one-on-one services are our stock in trade. Anyone who works in public services knows this well: a great storytime or outreach visit may be a key component of our work, but what we do best (or, at least, most) is help people one-on-one: checking out someone’s books, recommending a good read, or helping a patron find the answer to a reference question. And even the behind-the-scenes work that those of us outside the realm of “public services” engage in—acquisitions, cataloguing, shelving, and even building design—is still geared toward the personal, individual interaction between a patron and the collection. Several of this issue’s authors have approached the theme from this more everyday perspective. Sarah Lynch reflects on dealing with materials challenges (p. 5). Tami Robinson writes about the process of mentoring new librarians (p. 13). And Kirsten Edwards offers some helpful advice for those routine, dog-bites-librarian moments (p. 22).
Alki Editor: Bo Kinney
Alki Editorial Committee: Diane Cowles, committee chair; Samantha Becker; Theresa Kappus; Emily Keller; Tami Robinson; Kate Skinner; Tony Wilson
Alki was designed by Tammy Reniche, Director of Publications for Melby Cameron & Anderson.
Cover photo: Rodrigo Heredia provides roving computer assistance at North Seattle Community College Library. See article on page 6.
