{"id":13590,"date":"2016-07-05T00:01:55","date_gmt":"2016-07-05T04:01:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.alsc.ala.org\/blog\/?p=13590"},"modified":"2016-07-05T17:11:14","modified_gmt":"2016-07-05T21:11:14","slug":"alsc-member-of-the-month-pat-oey","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.alsc.ala.org\/blog\/2016\/07\/alsc-member-of-the-month-pat-oey\/","title":{"rendered":"ALSC Member of the Month – Pat Oey"},"content":{"rendered":"

Each month, an ALSC member is profiled and we learn a little about their professional life and a bit about their not-so-serious side. Using just a few questions, we try to keep the profiles fun while highlighting the variety of members in our organization. So, without further ado, welcome to our ALSC profile<\/a>, ten questions with ALSC member, Pat Oey.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Courtesy photo<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

1.What do you do, and how long have you been doing it?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Since March 2016, I’ve been an Adult Services Librarian at Los Altos Library in Los Altos, CA. Prior to that I was a Children’s Services Librarian for two and a half years. I love both children’s and adult services; the main thing to remember is that, no matter the age of the community you serve, every person deserves excellent customer service, collections, attention, and programming. For example, I just hosted a well-attended adult coloring program, and I was thrilled to see how everyone, no matter how old they are, enjoys getting a chance to be freely creative in an unthreatening environment.<\/p>\n

2. Why did you join ALSC? Do you belong to any other ALA divisions or roundtables?<\/strong><\/p>\n

I joined ALSC because I was (and still am) thirsty to learn all I can about how to be the best librarian I can be. I think the ALSC Blog is amazing and have found it to be a wonderful resource over the years I’ve been a librarian. I also am a member of YALSA.<\/p>\n

3. What’s the best thing about summer?<\/strong><\/p>\n

The best thing about summer is summer reading at the library! There’s a festive air, no matter whether you are in adult or children’s services. The idea of reminding people that reading is a great escape and pastime is wonderful and I love promoting it during the summer.<\/p>\n

4. What’s your favorite customer service story?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Last year when I was walking the shelves helping a young boy of about 10 to find a good book to read, he asked me, “Have you read all of these books?” I loved that question! I told him I was trying to get through them all, if only there were enough time…<\/p>\n

5. What do you wish every children’s librarian knew?<\/strong><\/p>\n

I think a lot of children’s librarians know this, but I wish they all knew how important it is to stop what you’re doing and give every child (every patron, really) your full attention when they are brave enough to approach the reference desk. Eye contact, friendly, open expression, the works. They need that in order to build esteem and realize that asking questions is the crux of learning and growing.<\/p>\n

6. It’s time for a vacation. Would you prefer to go to the beach, the mountains, stay home, or somewhere else?<\/strong><\/p>\n

I would prefer to go to a beach on Maui and boogie board–it’s easy to do in shallow water where I don’t have to be afraid of sharks or cold water, and afterwards I can bask in the sun and read a book.<\/p>\n

7. Do you remember the first book you ever read?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Yes. It was The School<\/em> by Dick Bruna. A friend gave it to me in first grade, and once I learned to read it, I went around my house reciting it to whomever would listen! The illustrations were simple and full of bold, primary colors. The children in it were smiling, and the text rhymed so that I can still recite the first lines today.<\/p>\n

8.If money was no object, what program would you offer at your Library?<\/strong><\/p>\n

I would offer the check out a human being program–where people “check out” human resources and interview them to learn of their lives and experiences. So much is happening in the world today that is based on misunderstanding each other, and I believe if we offered more programs where we got to walk in each other’s shoes, it could only help. But perhaps this would be more effective across counties and communities, so collaborations with other libraries would be important for this one.<\/p>\n

9. What will children’s librarians be doing 10 years from now?<\/strong><\/p>\n

I believe children’s librarians will be doing much the same things they are doing now–offering storytimes, great programming, encouraging early literacy, building great collections while retaining the classics–but with whatever technologies are available at the time. However, no technology will ever replace the printed book, and no robot will ever replace the human connection offered by a flesh and blood librarian who really loves helping children and their caregivers.<\/p>\n

10. Are you a night person or a morning person?<\/strong><\/p>\n

I am a morning person who right now is forced to be a night person. I love sleeping in the morning, but if I wake up early, I find I am most productive and freshest early in the day.<\/p>\n

*************************************************************************************************************<\/p>\n

Thanks, Pat! What a fun continuation to our monthly profile feature!<\/p>\n

Do you know someone who would be a good candidate for our ALSC Monthly Profile<\/a>? Are YOU<\/strong> brave enough to answer our ten questions? Send your name and email address to alscblog@gmail.com<\/a>; we\u2019ll see what we can do.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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