Librarians at the service desks welcome queries with eagerness, but some require more personal attention than a librarian can offer when he or she is “on the desk.” That’s why the library has launched the Reference Appointment service. Patrons can work with a librarian one-on-one for up to an hour.

“To me the one-on-one was very efficient. She could address my needs verses the needs in an entire classroom,” library patron Cindy Miller said, adding this service helped her do better in class. “One of the comments on the paper was ‘excellent references.’”

Miller says she would recommend the Reference Appointment service for anyone needing help with research. She used the service for a college class.

Other patrons have used this service to learn about library technology, small business development or health and wellness. Appointments are scheduled with experts in the subject. Miller met with Adult Services Librarian Lissa Staley during her appointment.

“Lissa was just excellent. She met my needs in a very comfortable setting,” Miller said. “I’m very hands-on and so having someone right there was very beneficial.”

Librarians say they won’t do the work for the customer, but will empower them with the skills to facilitate any search they might need.

“Libraries have always been a place of learning and teaching, so this is a natural extension of what we do,” Staley said. “We’ve offered this informally before, so I’m glad we formalized this service that helps people learn to use their library.”

Library customers can sign up for an appointment by phone or via the Internet. Call 785-580-4555 or tap into our online reservation system.