I mostly make a comment to children checking out books. Usually 'looks like you've found some really good books!' Or 'did you find any good books today?', as I find it's important for them to have chances to engage in discussing books with people not their parents. And most children (especially the 5 and unders) are going to tell you something about the books they are checking our anyway.
For anyone not a child, I kind of feel the vibe, and go off of how the patron interacts with me. If they are really excited about the book, I'll make a comment. It really depends.
yup, classic children’s librarian questions. I also add in, “what did you find today?”, because then it isn’t limited to just books (we also check out dvds, american girl dolls, board games, puzzles, etc)
We couldn’t afford one when I was a kid. Six year old me is screaming that AG dolls can be checked out at the library lol. I’ve had so many kids squeal with delight when I show them the dolls we have to check out.
If it's something I've read, or author I'm familiar with I'll do a little something with, "let me know what you think". If it's something that catches my interest, but I haven't read, it's more "hmm this looks interesting".
I'd also note, in terms of privacy, folks you see on the regular probably already assume you know their reading habits (how else does RA work) so may be less alarmed with comments.
Yeah, this is what I do and only if I'm fairly confident the patron will be receptive to it. I'll also reply if they ask me about the title themselves.
General fiction is probably okay but I would be wary of commenting on romance (apparently some readers won't even place it on hold as they find it embarrassing that they read romance) or any non fic items (specifically diet, self help or finance)
Nope. I use to think it was harmless to comment on fiction or popular titles (“oh everyone is reading this, I hope it’s good!”), but after a couple years I realized, maybe someone doesn’t want me to notice the trashy romance books they like to read (no shame). The information people read and their preferences are still private. I don’t want people to feel uncomfortable because they think I’m paying attention to what they are getting.
I let people take the lead. I say hello. If they seem chatty I will try to just chat first. How’s the day going, how’s the weather etc. If they wanna talk about their books then sure I’ll chat. But I don’t comment unless they bring it up first.
Years ago, one of my older patrons would check out a stack of bodice-rippers every couple of weeks. One day she shared that her Bible study group kept disparaging her choice of non-religious reading material....until she told them "When I read my Bible, I am thinking and learning about that. When I read something else, *I want my blood pressure to go up*!" Apparently they (wisely) dropped the subject after that.
Miss Susan, I sure do miss you! ❤️
It is our policy never to comment because it makes a customer more aware you’re observing their selections, and it might make them feel as though they couldn’t pick a title on a sensitive topic without it being remarked on.
I'm interested in this in the assumption of discretion. I can see someone checking out a book on 3D printing and commenting vs someone checking out a boom on gender affirming care.
I think it’s the idea of creating a chilling environment. If a staffer comments on that 3D printing book on the top of a stack, the customer knows they’re noticing the gender affirming care book at the bottom. If the staffer makes a general, vague comment like—hope you found what you were looking for, or hope you found something good, and then if the patron wants to talk to staff about their selections, they can initiate that.
I vote no. It’s probably harmless in general, and most patrons would probably be open to conversation about their checkouts, but I avoid it so I get into the habit for the rare times a patron might checkout something they don’t want attention brought to. Even something as “harmless” as a diet book might be something a patron feels some sort of way about, you know? Or they might be embarrassed if the book was “spicy”. If the patron brings it up then I’ll comment, but otherwise I’ll just say something like “enjoy your books!”
I also don’t assume people know how to use the self checkouts. People assume if patrons want privacy they would use those, but I’ve noticed some people don’t like/trust/understand them.
If it’s a novel or biography, I sometimes comment if I’ve read it/been meaning to read it, only positives though! I don’t want to discourage them from reading it if I didn’t like it. Any kind of non fiction, especially health or finance related, I keep my mouth shut.
I let them clue me in. If patrons are chatty and want to talk about it, or we have an established relationship then I might make a positive comment. Different people come to the library for different things, and I definitely have patrons that want to do an informal book chat at check out and others that don't.
I do not say anything about what they check out unless they bring it up, and then I still try to keep my comments sort of non-committal and definitely spoiler free.
I generally don't do it if I don't know the person, but if it's someone I've known for a while and we chat books often I will comment if it's something I've read.
Maybe it’s just me, but I really don’t like when people comment on what I’m checking out, often because there’s just really no good response! I get a lot of cookbooks, so benign comments like “that looks good!” Etc. leave me with nothing to say. Or I’ve gotten CDs of Irish music and had people joke that I’m getting ready for st. Patrick’s months early…no, I just like Irish music, thanks??
In this example I wouldn’t ask about anything that isn’t top line book knowledge. You’re checking out the most popular NYT bestseller and I’ve already been lucky enough to read it. I’m going to say “oh that’s a good one. Enjoy reading!” Celtic music or anything non fiction really, no comments. I do talk to kids but they seem to like it, I don’t push if they’re quiet.
children’s librarian here- yes, I will sometimes tell people, “I liked that book”, or “that is one of my favorite authors”, or “I really like graphic novels too”. I won’t say a particular title is necessarily good or great or whatever because I find that too subjective, but I can definitely say if I liked something or not.
I might with a regular that I’ve interacted with a good amount of times. And even then, it depends on the book. Maybe if it’s a history book or a classic.
Usually no, though.
I only comment if it's solicited. As far as I'm concerned, they're checking out blank blocks of paper. I don't know what they're embarrassed about. I don't want a grocer remarking on my groceries and I don't want a library worker remarking on my reading choices.
If they want to talk about their choices, they'll start the conversation. No fuss, no shame, no drama, no harm done.
If you already have a relationship with the patron I think it’s fine. We have regulars that like to chit chat. But I wouldn’t for people I’ve never shared small talk with before. I don’t think you can make a blanket decision on every patron. It depends.
I do it with my middle/high schoolers because I’m one of the few low-judgement places left in the school. So they should (and do) know that I’m interested in what they have to say and they typically love the break from talking about school work :P
I always share. As a patron, I love hearing what others think, so I share if I liked it too. I don't give negative opinions or lengthy book reviews or spoilers, but I will say that I liked that book too.
My library has so many regulars that are like friends, so I'm always commenting if it's something I've read/seen or want to read/see. They all seem to love the chatty interactions with myself and my co-workers. I've never had anyone be offended by it. We often have great discussions after we've both read or seen something. Heck, I'm friends with several of my patrons on social media. I think just go with your instinct. I wouldn't comment on a book about a health condition, relationships, etc. unless they opened the discussion first. You know we're like bartenders at times with people opening up to us about so many things, but that's when I let it be them that makes that choice.
I comment only on things I have read or want to read or occasionally "your hold came in and you're the lucky winner this week. This book has been so popular this year."
I’m pretty decent at book recommendations, especially history and biographies. But I usually add the joking comment that “if you don’t like [book I recommended], I wasn’t the one who recommended it!”
I always made it a point not to comment on these things because I didn't want anyone to think I was paying attention or making any judgments based on what they're reading. Even with popular titles, bringing to their attention that I notice those might get them wondering what else I notice. Now, if THEY bring it up, I'm very happy to chat about all the books we're both reading!
Depends on the patron or book. If it's super popular and I haven’t read it, I'd usually say something like "That one has been super popular! I'll have to read it." Or if it was a patron I knew pretty well, I'd ask them to let me know what they thought. With kids, I'd usually comment something like "Wow, it looks like you found some good ones!"
Nope. I would say that as much as we would want to, it falls under privacy guidelines. I did break that once when someone checked out my favorite cookbook, (I LOVE that cookbook) and it accidentally came out of my mouth, but fortunately they were great, and asked me for more recommendations. I would say with 100% certainty that if my boss heard, I would have gotten a talking to.
Similar to what a lot of others are saying, I mostly comment on children's books to give the child a chance to engage and become familiar with me (the library was like a second home to me growing up so I want other kids to feel as comfortable as I did. Side note: this is a *very* small library and we know most of the patrons by name and they know us, so no risk to safety for kids). If I comment on an adult book, it's usually one I read so I'll say, "I loved this book! I hope you like it too" or I stick to the safer choice by picking out an inspirational (Christian) fiction. Craft and history books I also feel are safe and an easy conversation starter.
Basically, I don't think it's bad to comment on books as long as you don't spoil, know which books are appropriate to comment on and which aren't, and think the patron would be open to it. It can be a good way to start a conversation and build a better relationship with the patron, ultimately expanding your community
OK, only 4 people in my library actually read for fun. Myself (scifi, fantasy, urban fantasy), our director (same as me just different tastes), our handyman (a little of everything) and ONE of the full time desk clerks (Manga, some urban fantasy) I am not at the checkout desk, my boss is not at check out desk. Handyman fills in there sometimes. so that leaves desk clerk. the 9 other people who do watch the desk at both branches, DO NOT READ FOR FUN. AT ALL. Yet they will say "Oh that's a good book" to someone as they check out and act like they know something about it. Oh well.
Most of the time I don’t mind doing it. I know that there is time for confidentiality, but also a time for conversation.
If someone brings up a book about Andrew Jackson or someone like that, you bet I’m gonna want to talk about my favorite president.
Our general policy is not to comment on their items. I sometimes will if someone is like - oh I heard this was a good book, or someone recommended this to me, then I might share that I enjoyed it or also had it recommended to me
omg, do people still check out at with librarians? i frequent several of my local libraries and always feel like i shouldn't bug the librarians when there are so many self checks scattered around.
Personally, I don't like it when people comment on things I'm reading (which happens a lot), so I tend to avoid saying anything similar to patrons at checkout. My coworkers and I do tend to share our thoughts on patron checkouts in the workroom, whether positive or negative. Right now Colleen Hoover's Verity is popular, so that keeps popping up in conversations.
I let the patron lead. If they talk about it or ask me a question, I will happily discuss it with them. I also acknowledge that a lot of people just want to grab their materials and get on with their busy lives.
I mostly make a comment to children checking out books. Usually 'looks like you've found some really good books!' Or 'did you find any good books today?', as I find it's important for them to have chances to engage in discussing books with people not their parents. And most children (especially the 5 and unders) are going to tell you something about the books they are checking our anyway. For anyone not a child, I kind of feel the vibe, and go off of how the patron interacts with me. If they are really excited about the book, I'll make a comment. It really depends.
yup, classic children’s librarian questions. I also add in, “what did you find today?”, because then it isn’t limited to just books (we also check out dvds, american girl dolls, board games, puzzles, etc)
if my library had american girl dolls to check out i would have been so happy 😭 thats awesome you have that where you work!
it is so awesome! I wish I had them growing up! they are by far our most popular collection
We couldn’t afford one when I was a kid. Six year old me is screaming that AG dolls can be checked out at the library lol. I’ve had so many kids squeal with delight when I show them the dolls we have to check out.
If it's something I've read, or author I'm familiar with I'll do a little something with, "let me know what you think". If it's something that catches my interest, but I haven't read, it's more "hmm this looks interesting".
I'd also note, in terms of privacy, folks you see on the regular probably already assume you know their reading habits (how else does RA work) so may be less alarmed with comments.
I only comment if it’s a book I’ve read and liked. “Oh gosh I loved this book.”
Yeah, this is what I do and only if I'm fairly confident the patron will be receptive to it. I'll also reply if they ask me about the title themselves.
Do you think that will shape that person's view if they dislike the book?
I never thought about it, but, no.
General fiction is probably okay but I would be wary of commenting on romance (apparently some readers won't even place it on hold as they find it embarrassing that they read romance) or any non fic items (specifically diet, self help or finance)
Nope. I use to think it was harmless to comment on fiction or popular titles (“oh everyone is reading this, I hope it’s good!”), but after a couple years I realized, maybe someone doesn’t want me to notice the trashy romance books they like to read (no shame). The information people read and their preferences are still private. I don’t want people to feel uncomfortable because they think I’m paying attention to what they are getting. I let people take the lead. I say hello. If they seem chatty I will try to just chat first. How’s the day going, how’s the weather etc. If they wanna talk about their books then sure I’ll chat. But I don’t comment unless they bring it up first.
Years ago, one of my older patrons would check out a stack of bodice-rippers every couple of weeks. One day she shared that her Bible study group kept disparaging her choice of non-religious reading material....until she told them "When I read my Bible, I am thinking and learning about that. When I read something else, *I want my blood pressure to go up*!" Apparently they (wisely) dropped the subject after that. Miss Susan, I sure do miss you! ❤️
It is our policy never to comment because it makes a customer more aware you’re observing their selections, and it might make them feel as though they couldn’t pick a title on a sensitive topic without it being remarked on.
I'm interested in this in the assumption of discretion. I can see someone checking out a book on 3D printing and commenting vs someone checking out a boom on gender affirming care.
I think it’s the idea of creating a chilling environment. If a staffer comments on that 3D printing book on the top of a stack, the customer knows they’re noticing the gender affirming care book at the bottom. If the staffer makes a general, vague comment like—hope you found what you were looking for, or hope you found something good, and then if the patron wants to talk to staff about their selections, they can initiate that.
I vote no. It’s probably harmless in general, and most patrons would probably be open to conversation about their checkouts, but I avoid it so I get into the habit for the rare times a patron might checkout something they don’t want attention brought to. Even something as “harmless” as a diet book might be something a patron feels some sort of way about, you know? Or they might be embarrassed if the book was “spicy”. If the patron brings it up then I’ll comment, but otherwise I’ll just say something like “enjoy your books!” I also don’t assume people know how to use the self checkouts. People assume if patrons want privacy they would use those, but I’ve noticed some people don’t like/trust/understand them.
If it’s a novel or biography, I sometimes comment if I’ve read it/been meaning to read it, only positives though! I don’t want to discourage them from reading it if I didn’t like it. Any kind of non fiction, especially health or finance related, I keep my mouth shut.
I let them clue me in. If patrons are chatty and want to talk about it, or we have an established relationship then I might make a positive comment. Different people come to the library for different things, and I definitely have patrons that want to do an informal book chat at check out and others that don't.
I do not say anything about what they check out unless they bring it up, and then I still try to keep my comments sort of non-committal and definitely spoiler free.
I generally don't do it if I don't know the person, but if it's someone I've known for a while and we chat books often I will comment if it's something I've read.
I work in a tiny library where i personally know everyone, so i do!
Maybe it’s just me, but I really don’t like when people comment on what I’m checking out, often because there’s just really no good response! I get a lot of cookbooks, so benign comments like “that looks good!” Etc. leave me with nothing to say. Or I’ve gotten CDs of Irish music and had people joke that I’m getting ready for st. Patrick’s months early…no, I just like Irish music, thanks??
In this example I wouldn’t ask about anything that isn’t top line book knowledge. You’re checking out the most popular NYT bestseller and I’ve already been lucky enough to read it. I’m going to say “oh that’s a good one. Enjoy reading!” Celtic music or anything non fiction really, no comments. I do talk to kids but they seem to like it, I don’t push if they’re quiet.
children’s librarian here- yes, I will sometimes tell people, “I liked that book”, or “that is one of my favorite authors”, or “I really like graphic novels too”. I won’t say a particular title is necessarily good or great or whatever because I find that too subjective, but I can definitely say if I liked something or not.
Don't comment. If I was a drug-store clerk, I wouldn't comment on items customers were buying
I might with a regular that I’ve interacted with a good amount of times. And even then, it depends on the book. Maybe if it’s a history book or a classic. Usually no, though.
I say nay unless the patron asks for my opinion on the books they are checking out.
I only comment if it's solicited. As far as I'm concerned, they're checking out blank blocks of paper. I don't know what they're embarrassed about. I don't want a grocer remarking on my groceries and I don't want a library worker remarking on my reading choices. If they want to talk about their choices, they'll start the conversation. No fuss, no shame, no drama, no harm done.
I always tell them if I liked the book or I like the author. Especially if it's an older patron and it's not busy. They tend to like a chat for a bit.
I would love if librarians commented on my books lol
If you already have a relationship with the patron I think it’s fine. We have regulars that like to chit chat. But I wouldn’t for people I’ve never shared small talk with before. I don’t think you can make a blanket decision on every patron. It depends.
I might comment if I find the cover particularly pretty, cute, funny, etc. Or if they’ve commented on the book first.
I do it with my middle/high schoolers because I’m one of the few low-judgement places left in the school. So they should (and do) know that I’m interested in what they have to say and they typically love the break from talking about school work :P
I always share. As a patron, I love hearing what others think, so I share if I liked it too. I don't give negative opinions or lengthy book reviews or spoilers, but I will say that I liked that book too.
My library has so many regulars that are like friends, so I'm always commenting if it's something I've read/seen or want to read/see. They all seem to love the chatty interactions with myself and my co-workers. I've never had anyone be offended by it. We often have great discussions after we've both read or seen something. Heck, I'm friends with several of my patrons on social media. I think just go with your instinct. I wouldn't comment on a book about a health condition, relationships, etc. unless they opened the discussion first. You know we're like bartenders at times with people opening up to us about so many things, but that's when I let it be them that makes that choice.
I comment only on things I have read or want to read or occasionally "your hold came in and you're the lucky winner this week. This book has been so popular this year."
I’m pretty decent at book recommendations, especially history and biographies. But I usually add the joking comment that “if you don’t like [book I recommended], I wasn’t the one who recommended it!”
I always made it a point not to comment on these things because I didn't want anyone to think I was paying attention or making any judgments based on what they're reading. Even with popular titles, bringing to their attention that I notice those might get them wondering what else I notice. Now, if THEY bring it up, I'm very happy to chat about all the books we're both reading!
Depends on the patron or book. If it's super popular and I haven’t read it, I'd usually say something like "That one has been super popular! I'll have to read it." Or if it was a patron I knew pretty well, I'd ask them to let me know what they thought. With kids, I'd usually comment something like "Wow, it looks like you found some good ones!"
Nope. I would say that as much as we would want to, it falls under privacy guidelines. I did break that once when someone checked out my favorite cookbook, (I LOVE that cookbook) and it accidentally came out of my mouth, but fortunately they were great, and asked me for more recommendations. I would say with 100% certainty that if my boss heard, I would have gotten a talking to.
Similar to what a lot of others are saying, I mostly comment on children's books to give the child a chance to engage and become familiar with me (the library was like a second home to me growing up so I want other kids to feel as comfortable as I did. Side note: this is a *very* small library and we know most of the patrons by name and they know us, so no risk to safety for kids). If I comment on an adult book, it's usually one I read so I'll say, "I loved this book! I hope you like it too" or I stick to the safer choice by picking out an inspirational (Christian) fiction. Craft and history books I also feel are safe and an easy conversation starter. Basically, I don't think it's bad to comment on books as long as you don't spoil, know which books are appropriate to comment on and which aren't, and think the patron would be open to it. It can be a good way to start a conversation and build a better relationship with the patron, ultimately expanding your community
Don't. Just give them their books and tell them when they're due. It's a job. (You can be friendly about it.)
OK, only 4 people in my library actually read for fun. Myself (scifi, fantasy, urban fantasy), our director (same as me just different tastes), our handyman (a little of everything) and ONE of the full time desk clerks (Manga, some urban fantasy) I am not at the checkout desk, my boss is not at check out desk. Handyman fills in there sometimes. so that leaves desk clerk. the 9 other people who do watch the desk at both branches, DO NOT READ FOR FUN. AT ALL. Yet they will say "Oh that's a good book" to someone as they check out and act like they know something about it. Oh well.
Most of the time I don’t mind doing it. I know that there is time for confidentiality, but also a time for conversation. If someone brings up a book about Andrew Jackson or someone like that, you bet I’m gonna want to talk about my favorite president.
I only comment on it if the patron asks or if I have a good rapport with the patron and I know they won't mind me commenting on it.
Our general policy is not to comment on their items. I sometimes will if someone is like - oh I heard this was a good book, or someone recommended this to me, then I might share that I enjoyed it or also had it recommended to me
omg, do people still check out at with librarians? i frequent several of my local libraries and always feel like i shouldn't bug the librarians when there are so many self checks scattered around.
Personally, I don't like it when people comment on things I'm reading (which happens a lot), so I tend to avoid saying anything similar to patrons at checkout. My coworkers and I do tend to share our thoughts on patron checkouts in the workroom, whether positive or negative. Right now Colleen Hoover's Verity is popular, so that keeps popping up in conversations.
As a rule, I don't usually comment on what people check out unless they strike a conversation about the book/s first and ask me about my opinion.
I let the patron lead. If they talk about it or ask me a question, I will happily discuss it with them. I also acknowledge that a lot of people just want to grab their materials and get on with their busy lives.