We are lucky to have Brent Bernau at the Reference Desk while we search for Brian’s replacement.  Brent is a USD Law grad and has his Masters in Library & Information Studies from UC Berkeley.  He has a wealth of knowledge and experience, but he says to go easy on him at first since he has not been a reference librarian for a number of years.  He is the modest type.  For now, Brent will be working Monday through Friday from 8-11 am.  Three cheers for Brent!

Libraries across the country are taking measures to protect the patrons and staff from unruly teenagers.  An Ohio library banned children under 14 during after-school hours unless they were accompanied by adults. An Illinois library adopted a “three strikes, you’re out” rule, suspending library privileges for repeat offenders. And many libraries are adding security guards specifically for the after-school hours. In Euclid, Ohio, the library pumps classical music into its lobby, bathrooms and front entry to calm patrons, including those from the nearby high school.

At some places, librarians call the police, sometimes twice a day. Read more about this unfortunate trend here.