The library’s summer quiet can be deceiving — there are no familiar lines at the circulation desk, no students in the reading rooms, and the building is closed, with readers unable to step among the familiar shelves. It might seem as if the institution itself has “gone on holiday” when the well-known CLOSED sign is put up. In reality, this is when an important phase of the library’s life begins — only behind the scenes.
The nature of summer work varies between library departments, but in many places these months offer the opportunity to carry out tasks that receive less attention during the academic year. Below, we present some typical summer background activities of the public services staff.
Summer Work in the Library – Preparing for the Autumn Season
In summer, librarians tidy up, arrange the shelves, and sort through old volumes. By September, the library once again offers readers an organized, clear, and refreshed environment.
Books on the shelves are checked and put back in proper order to make them easy to find. Outdated or damaged materials are withdrawn from circulation. Foreign-language volumes are marked with special labels for easier identification.
Special attention is given to rare and specialized collections, whose condition can be checked at this time. In addition, RFID devices are used to locate books that have “gone missing” within the library.
Processing New Materials
During the summer, newly acquired books are continuously processed. Special collections that require specific expertise and more in-depth work are also handled at this time.
Space Organization and Equipment Maintenance
Librarians also arrange the library spaces: they adjust the furniture and update signage so that the public areas are clear and well-organized for September reopening. At the same time, they check digital devices, maintaining and updating tablets and e-book readers.
Providing Basic Services During the Summer Break
Alongside behind-the-scenes work, core library services remain available to help readers during the break. Some tasks are also carried out in cooperation with other libraries.
Quiet Preparation for the Autumn Opening
Behind the summer quiet lies a wide range of preparations that form an invisible but essential part of the library’s operation. These processes ensure that everything is orderly, well-thought-out, and well-organized for the coming season. The work done behind the scenes helps the library remain a reliable, well-functioning space for visitors — ready to come alive again.
Although here we have focused primarily on the tasks of the public services department, every unit of the university library is working to make sure that everything is ready to welcome visitors in the autumn.
Leave a Reply