The Editor,
What’s happening at the Coquitlam Public Library? For the past two years, during which time I attended courses at SFU, the assistance of CPL librarians has been indispensable. They obtained my inter-library loans and often suggested alternate books to augment those listed on the course bibliography. I found them to be extremely knowledgeable about a wide range of subjects.
Recently, when I went to get books for the spring semester, I was surprised to discover that the reference desk and librarian had disappeared. I wandered around looking for the librarian without success. Finally, I went to the circulation desk to inquire and was told that the library staff was “cross-learning” and that she, the desk person, would help me. She struggled to arrange an interlibrary loan and eventually suggested that I do whatever else I needed to do while she figured it out. During this lengthy encounter, the librarian was working nearby, checking out books for other patrons.
Does this make any sense? Here is a librarian with a master’s degree in library science performing routine tasks while untrained staff is trying to do a librarian’s job.
Do not misunderstand me, I am not trying to denigrate anyone. I was an employee at CPL for six and a half years during the late 1980s and knew the staff to be hard working and committed to their jobs. Since moving back to Coquitlam and becoming a regular library user after an 18-year absence, I see no indication that this culture has changed.
So what‘s going on? Does this have anything to do with cost-cutting measures? I certainly hope not.
I am appalled by the changes at CPL. It’s no longer user-friendly. Trying to discuss reference subjects with someone while standing at the circulation desk is awkward and uncomfortable.
What do I see when I enter the library now? Gone is the smiling face behind the reference desk; instead, I see a barren, unfriendly space. It’s like entering a big box store, one that says, “We have a different agenda now so figure it out for yourself.”
In my opinion these changes should be re-evaluated. Library patrons deserve better service.
Vonnie Kovacic, Coquitlam
