Openbare Bibliotheek Amsterdam

I recently joined the OBA, Amsterdam's Public Library. Join
really is the operative word here, because while access to the building is open to everyone, circulation privileges are only given to those who purchase an annual membership. This is pretty typical for European libraries.

While the cost is certainly reasonable (27 Euro which is about$36). Not a huge sum, but after I joined I realized my branch has about 10 English language books for preschoolers, which is the primary reason I joined. However, they do have a reasonable DVD collection which can be charged out for a modest 1 Euro per title, and most DVDs offer soundtracks in multiple languages, or at the very least (for adults anyway) subtitles.

One of the self-check machines, the only option for checking out or returning material

My local branch reminds me a lot of a branch of NYPL, mainly because it's in the same type of 1930's civic building. What is different is how automated the branch--and presumably the system--really is. There is no circulation desk. The lobby includes two service desks: one to generally assist with holds, internet log-ins, directional questions, etc. and the other to assist with memberships. Reference desks are elsewhere. In the lobby not only are there 2

self-check machines, there is also a self-service machine for paying fines an fees. Users are responsible not only for checking out their own materials, but also for checking them in! This has been challenging for me because the self checks are in Dutch (the payment machine offers an English option).

The payment kiosk, which allows you to put credit on your library account. This is useful not just for fines, but for utilizing library services for which there is a fee

My main disappointment with OBE is that their catalog does not allow limiting by language. I wish I could search generally for children's books and then limit to English, the way that our

Primo installation allows, since their discovery tool allows me to place requests for books from other branches (and I understand the main library has a much more extensive English language collection).

It will take a little time for me to decide if my library membership is worth it. Some time, a few more check-outs and a visit to the main library, which I think has a larger collection in English (as well as bilingual story hour). But, to learn about a foreign library first hand I suppose $36 is a small price to pay.

Thanks to RFID tags in all the books, these gates sound if a user attempts to leave the building with an improperly charged out book.

Note: While refining this blog post and I was able to figure out the language limit in OBE's catalog! If you select the AquaBrowser link from the English language home page, the catalog options allow a language limit. Now I have to go back and tell the librarians about this, but first I'm off to place several requests...

Service, Collaboration and Innovation

I learned this week that four individuals from Access Services were nominated for the prestigious Dean's Award. The Dean's Award was created by NYU's Division of Libraries to recognize extraordinary achievements in support of service, collaboration, and/or innovation. I'm incredibly proud that our department stands out in these areas. More information on this award is posted at http://library.nyu.edu/recognition/deans_award.html. Many thanks to everyone who took the time to make nominations.

Congratulations to Circ for catching up with the return backlog despite a couple of setbacks--scarce student assistants and a couple of Aleph failures didn't make this task any easier. Everyone rolled up their sleeves and got this done! I was also thrilled to see Reserves staff lending a hand for check-in and LP staff volunteering for exit duty so student workers could be dedicated to check-in. ILL and Stacks continue to push through the return onslaught and are making good progress--both by working hard and accepting the help of other units. Offsite has been busy getting a jump on the 9th floor and has recently begun the removal of over 170,000 low-use volumes from the 8th floor. This massive Offsite effort may offer more opportunities for collaboration for Access Services staff.

The Knowledge Exchange is really all about service, collaboration and innovation. Access Services encompasses very different units, but we are all part of the same whole. I see that as people work together to get projects done. And I think it's great!