Lemon’s Lovely Library

Photo Credit: Alex Bolino

Mrs. Lemon shows off her library expertise

February 2, 2010

Monica Csikesz, managing editor  

Filed under Features

A humming copy machine emits an electric green light. A groaning printer spits out a dozen pages too many. Dust sifts off book jackets, and the pages flutter like butterfly wings… the flit, flap, flittering sounds of new information that wrinkles the brain. Occasionally, a loud beep of a temperamental laptop breaks the methodical heartbeat of a functioning library. Mrs. Lemon is no stranger to the anatomy of this athenaeum. She is, after all, its central nervous system.

Fifteen years ago, Mrs. Lemon came to Presentation to work as a librarian because she loves books. “I’m very curious, I love information, and to look things up and find out why something is the way it is,” said Mrs. Lemon. The position did not require a degree in library science, but Mrs. Lemon’s degree in political science, her keen interest in information and good common sense makes her a qualified librarian.

On any given day, Mrs. Lemon may be patrolling the library, glancing up from her computer screen to help a student with a malfunctioning laptop, solve the “Number Lock” problem or even provide a 101 tutorial on how to use a copy machine. Then, she updates the library’s card catalogue, and sometimes orders books and videos.

She sorts the books, and sets the best ones out on the carts by topic for class research papers.  On occasion, she informs students on how to use the online databases during class-time sessions. She often provides one-on-one help to students looking for research on a particular topic, or finding useful information from books and magazines. That’s her favorite part of the day. “I love helping others find the information they need,” said Mrs. Lemon.

As more and more research material and technology has become available, Presentation students have access to a wealth of information, beginning with the online databases such as J-STOR and Gale Global Issues in Context. These resources are archives of academic journals, reference books, newspapers, encyclopedias, scientific research and historical perspective databases.

“There are so many amazing things you can find in a library,” said Mrs. Lemon. Many students don’t know that there is a card catalogue on every laptop and computer in the library that provides records on all available books, according to Mrs. Lemon.  Although the internet is helpful, books are very important for research papers because they provide nifty indexes. Besides, “I like the feeling of holding a book in my hands,” said Mrs. Lemon.

With all the resources available in a library, she thinks that students should be able to become self-sufficient. Still, she encourages students to always ask questions because she is always willing to help. The next time you stroll into the library, just talk to Mrs. Lemon. She’ll show you around.

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Tags: library, Mrs. Lemon