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West Vancouver Memorial Library · Fall 2003 · Issue 3 The Inquiring Mind Ask Us - We're Librarians Librarians have always had an image problem. I don't just mean the dowdy bun thing either. Most people aren't sure what librarians do, besides wearing glasses and sensible shoes. The professional Librarians at the Information Desks have Masters Degrees in Information Science and undergraduate degrees in a variety of disciplines. We are generalists by nature and detectives by training. We are learning every day, finding the answers to questions on everything from Plato's Dialogues to building a gazebo. Yesterday at the Adult Information Desk a woman asked us why her pewter tankard has a glass bottom. Another day someone wanted the history of the hamburger-for a poem he was writing. He later brought in a copy of the poem for the staff member who helped him. We have been asked why people watch "The Young and the Restless" and what to write on a card to a friend whose operation was a month ago. People often approach the Information Desk with the opening words "This may sound silly, but..." No question is too silly, too small or too strange! We are here to help you answer all of life's questions. Talk to your friendly librarian at the Information Desks in the Adult, Youth and Reference Departments. You may be pleasantly surprised at what we can do for you! From the Head of the Adult Department Cheryl McGregor At a loss for what to read next? If you have read everything by your favourite author and you just can't think what to look for, stop by the Information Desks. We have a wonderful collection of books but it is a large collection, so don't be afraid to ask us to guide you to your next book. We regularly publish a newsletter entitled Staff Picks, with recommended reads from staff in al departments of the Library. Get to know which staff members have similar tastes to your own and you will discover a great supply of their favourites in our past issues. We also publish booklists - some current lists are "Contemporary Canadian Novels," "Travelers' Tales" and "Legal Thrillers." Other new lists include "read-alike" suggestions for fans of Ian Rankin, Janet Evanovich and Barbara Kingsolver. If you enjoy the latest bestsellers, we recently added Globe ft Mail Bestsellers to our Website at www.westvanlib.org. You may click on any title in the list to go directly to our library catalogue and, if the book is checked out, place a reserve. To find this and other lists of new books, CDs, videos and DVDs, click on Catalogue, then Recent Arrivals. Also on our Website is the online database that we use for more author read-alikes and to help patrons find fiction on different subjects. Click on EResources, then Novelist. Stop by the Information Desks on the Main floor or upstairs in the Youth Department. Ask us what to read next and don't be shy - it's what we are here for! www.westvanlib.org tel. 604.925.7400 1950 Marine Drive, West Vancouver BC V7V 1J8