Friday, November 12, 2004

 
Today, I had a deaf customer. She was looking for information about home schooling her four year old. She would write her request on a slip of paper, and then I would write back a note. It was a really interesting experience. In training when I was first hired, they taught us a lot about the reference interview, where we ask a series of follow up questions to really understand what the person is looking for. Ive never had to do a reference interview without talking before. It was hard, even when I know she couldnt hear me. After trading notes for a bit, (which I found oddly soothing and peaceful), she found her home schooling books, and I showed her how to find even more resources from the library's home page. She said "thank you," both out loud and with her hands. It made me wish I knew a few phrases in sign language. I could have at least said "You're welcome."

Happy (late) birthday to my uncle, Kevin!

posted by Julie Dorn 5:56 PM