Library Lock-In

Friday night I volunteered at a library lock-in/scavenger hunt at my university's library. My job was to monitor one of the floors, to provide assistance (not giving away answers of course) and to make sure people didn't walk away with books (which almost happened). First of all, it was quite difficult, as a librarian-in-the-works, to tell the groups that actually I couldn't help them find answers. I'm currently taking a reference class and so when I was asked to help find certain call numbers, I was itching to help them. The only help I was allowed to give was to explain to an international student that "correspondence" usually meant "letters". Previously, I never really had an interest in reference, but after this experience I think I could really enjoy it. I truly wanted to help these students because so many were frustrated and confused by the library. I find this really sad because these students couldn't be more than 4 years younger than me. I can now understand, however, why so many students avoid going to the library all together. Parts of the library are poorly marked, maps and signs aren't placed in obvious spots. Also, many students do not realize that the reference call numbers are in their own section on each floor. The scavenger hunt was very eye-opening for me and the library staff members. It's true that librarians view the library in one way, but sometimes the users see it in a different way and that's why many aren't able to access what's hidden right in front of them. I love that the library put together this event because at least the 40 students that participated have a better understanding of how to navigate the library.