tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8957140491776029712.post4708325716834033989..comments2024-03-25T03:33:59.112-07:00Comments on Stop the privatisation of Public Libraries: Floor Walking!Alan Wyliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15663076592553652836noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8957140491776029712.post-41085816935465367172012-08-21T11:02:21.024-07:002012-08-21T11:02:21.024-07:00Thanks for your comment Ian! You know we disagree ...Thanks for your comment Ian! You know we disagree to some extent on this one, to me staff walking around tidying and helping users is part and parcel of the job, it comes with professionalism and a pride and belief in the ethos of working for a public service! Good management and leadership is also important, we don't to learn this from the retail/private sector, it's already there it just needs to be encouraged!Alan Wyliehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15663076592553652836noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8957140491776029712.post-67992078842996154752012-08-20T12:48:37.071-07:002012-08-20T12:48:37.071-07:00My authority uses floor walking as a concept - the...My authority uses floor walking as a concept - the idea is not to ask everyone if they need help but rather be aware of the public and read their body language to see if they need help but are choosing not to ask for it. <br /><br />When a library goes self-service - as many have - the counter is simply not there for staff to be behind. The traditional library model of having staff behind counters can lead to barriers. Floor-walking gives staff a positive thing to do, and of course they can tidy the shelves etc as they do so, restocking displays etc. In my experience, if done properly, it means that the public are welcomed but not hassled and is positive.<br /><br />You're quite correct that this is in line with the retail experience. However, it differs on the crucial point that library staff are not after the customers' money. They are simply there to help and make the place be as attractive and suitable as possible. <br />Ian Ansticehttp://www.publiclibrariesnews.com/noreply@blogger.com