Mission Bay Branch Library — Attraction in San Francisco

It's not very often these days that I actually get an opportunity to wake people up to the importance of good customer service skills in dealing with very particular situations. In this case, it's dealing with African Americans and THEIR money! Especially when the services we PAID for and therefore come to EXPECT.

So I had this project that brought me to Mission Bay Branch of SFPL system. The project was cost me a couple dollars for both color copies as well as black and white. The card is loaded with sufficient money just for those copies NO EXTRAS. I also had to use a computer and I'm sure everyone knows that you only get 2 hours a day at any given library. Use them wisely for there are the librarians who loath having to give anyone additional time especially the staff at Mission Bay. You are more likely to get a 5 minute dissertation and dressing down as if you are a 5 year old! Seriously.

I get my project just about completely when the time came to print. I'm pretty proficient and comfortable working with the MFD's they have so I'm not just an average guy. When I inserted my copy card, I get an error indication. Which indicated the magnetic strip FAILED. I immediately let staff (#35??) know of the problem. The first thing they wanted to do was ensure I was properly utilizing the copier (operator error) and then they needed me to fill out this form attach the bad card and they BUY ANOTHER CARD. So when will the first card be replaced? NOBODY HAD A CLUE! Actually they were not sure of the form.

Well let's see the Manager. They were not there and he didn't want to say when she was returning. Okay so times is still ticking on the computer so I need to continue with my project when another librarian (#3131) decides he's gonna just go interrupt me and wasting valuable computer time that they are not going to replenish but what he has to say is JUST THAT IMPORTANT! I think not.

In the end, it was either spend MORE of my MONEY or simply take a brief ride to the Main Library and accomplish me task there. And that I exactly what I did. In the beginning I told you about African Americans and their money. Now you see my point. TBH, We tend to have just what it takes to complete the task - there are never "EXTRAS".

Just...

First the good- it’s clean, staff are pretty friendly, the overall library system in SF is amazing. Love the app! And this spot is quite convenient, near the T stop, mission bay, etc. My small complaints- the schedule is wacky. Often not open for full day. 2)The security guard shushes people if they talk. I know libraries are traditionally quiet but honestly I think it’s a mistake. We should encourage discourse. Talk about books, connect in any way. There could be a quiet room but honestly libraries are so underutilized- often empty-maybe it would help if people didn’t have to whisper? Tip toe? One of my kids even now, as an adult, hates libraries because he was shushed so much as a kid. I think silence is a leftover expectation. Better to create a warm environment. 3) Staff are pretty reluctant to help with finding things or checking out. They always direct you to the do-it-yourself kiosks. It’s just kind of sad and futuristic. I miss the old days when librarians talked about books or knew the regulars. That all said, I still love the library. It’s so radical that anything in life is free. And borrowing books...

The fourth time I’ve been to a library in the city. First, the cons. The library is small, so selection is limited. Their hours during the week also vary a lot.

That’s about where the negatives end! This is a really nice library. There’s a wide range of resources: computers, private study rooms, a children’s area and a teens-only area… they make it fit with the space they have. The library is really modern and clean (and that includes the bathrooms), and the staff are so helpful. They had a few books I wasn’t able to find at any other library, which was cool. The location is a big plus too, being close to Caltrain and Muni. Overall, San Francisco’s libraries are great, and the Mission Bay Branch Library is an...