Half-pick-ducks at National Library

THE EDITOR: I left my work place earlier than usual on September 17, 2003. I wanted to put in three hours quality time reading on a particular topic at our National Library in Port-of-Spain.

As I entered the building I was startled by the relatively calm and seemingly controlled environment. I proceeded to the Adult Section, one floor above and was shown where to obtain my material and then selected a cubicle overlooking the main entrance of the building. No sooner had I sat down than there was some chatter from some of the users, followed by a high pitched sound, which came from a cell phone, which literally made me jump (I am on the second paragraph of the first page). The user, a worker the attendant at the desk, who assisted me getting my material was speaking at the top of his voice, about six feet from where I was seated. A mature male senior officer. A youth, who was two cubicles away looked up and our eyes made four and by his facial expression and gestures we communicated our disgust, disappointment, and displeasure.

A few minutes later a junior clerk pushed an empty trolley across the floor, which distracted my attention ... By now the people traffic was getting greater as workers visit before going home or to classes, and the noise of the ladies heels, and the men with their deliberate footsteps, along with the flow of movement from students as they ‘skipped’ from one section to another were unbearable. In the middle of the third paragraph, I needed my sanity. I needed to accomplish my objective for that day. Therefore, I went to the desk and enquired whether the traditional Public Library was still in operation. You can imagine my disappointment when the clerk responded negatively — “It close down Mam” — with an attitude. 

In despair I explained to the clerk that the Library is far too noisy. Editor, we in Trinidad and Tobago are not ready for this magnitude of work or service:
• The National Library is far too large for the meagre staff to manage and control.
• Additional staff is needed for greater supervision and efficiency.
• The material used on the surface of the floor is of the wrong type, every movement on the floor is amplified.
• Rules should be adhered to by staff and users
• Training at intervals on Library etiquette for users
• As a Third World country we want to copy concepts from the bigger and more advanced countries without thoroughly thinking it through, and putting systems in place to ensure that it works for the benefit of the majority. It is time our Government stop delivering ‘half-pick-ducks.’

ANNETTE MC DONALD
Arima