PJ Raftery checks out a book to Costume Institute Librarian Julie Le at the Circulation Desk
«Two forms of ID. A letter of recommendation. Coat and bag checked in the Great Hall. One of the two doors to the library locked at all times. And an interrogation so intense that all it lacked was a bright light shining in your face. This was the Watson Library registration procedure of years past. Though the library was rich in its collections and resources, the first impression we made on our patrons was far from inviting. Now let's time travel to present-day Watson Library to see how far we've come and understand why Watson Library has made outstanding service an important part of our mission.»
John Lindaman assists researcher Nathanial Prottas with a reference question
It all started with an idea: Simply put, we knew the library was an incredible resource for scholars, but we also knew that, like most research libraries, our policies and services to visiting researchers needed some improvement. How could we do that and where we would even start? The first step was to have the entire library staff meet to establish and implement standards for outstanding service. That was in 2008.
Since then, service to our visiting researchers is a top priority and a running theme in all of the work that we do in the library. We are now open to anyone college-age and above. You can register online to use Watson and request up to ten books at a time prior to your visit. The library is open six days per week, and for longer hours than ever before. Books can be requested from most of the departmental libraries throughout the Museum. Coats and bags can be conveniently checked in lockers within the library. Wi-Fi is available. Books from our offsite facility are available within two business days. Four digital scanners are available, free of charge, to all library users. And we unlocked the other front door.
These are just a few of our service enhancements. Through outreach efforts to local institutions, schools, auction houses, and galleries, we continue to solicit feedback from current and potential library users. We provide these groups with customized orientations where we identify which library resources best serve their needs. Most importantly, we emphasize that we actually want them in the library to use our collections and resources.
Ronnie Fein and Lisa Harms help volunteer Suzanne Franks at one of the library's digital scanners
For many years, librarians have debated the best ways to "stay relevant" in an age when technology plays such an integral role in research. We believe that some of the best ways to stay relevant are to be friendly, attentive, and constantly looking for ways to improve, enhance, and expand library services wherever possible. So, on your next (or first) visit to Watson, please let us know what we can do to make your research experience better, easier, or just nicer. We really do want to hear from you, and we really want to see you in the library!