Jason Kuhl Tells Us About The Many Facets of AHML's Reference Desk

In addition to Deb Whisler’s ice cream scoops, Memorial Library reference library/Information Services Manager, Jason Kuhl, showed us that reference desks can give residents the “scoop” on most anything these days. He and a masked side kick gave us a humorous demonstration there’s both fun and useful information in that corner of the library these days…as close as your phone or computer, too.

Within a relatively short response time, staff can respond by giving or sending you links, information and documents via e-mail. Jason made his point by sharing questions they’ve answered, such as:

  • Who do we have to be more careful with, a library staffer making an unexpected delivery to your house or a raccoon in your attic? The answer, in general terms, is the raccoon. In Arlington Heights, you can’t shoot a pesky animal in your attic, but you can use your gun to defend your home from an intruder !
  • The staff has answered questions to give crossword puzzle help, recopies, driving directions, phone numbers.
  • An Arlington resident called from Italy asking why there was so much traffic there in that vacation area ! (we hope he had a good calling plan).
  • What is New Year’s most unkept resolution (you guessed it, 92% don’t lose weight!).
  • McArthur’s speech upon his return to the Philippines.
  • Wedding songs (no, the library doesn’t promise to sing on key).
  • Season Four of Northern Exposure. A recent Bachelorette performance.
  • How to fix a computer problem.
  • Bar bet questions (the clinking of glasses gives the location away).

    A professional librarian for ten years, Jason said his background is in art history. “I chose to transition to the library profession when I realized it would be a good idea to pursue an education that would ultimately result in employment.” He worked at the St. Louis County Library before joining AHML in December.

    Though the volume of questions has decreased (250,000 ten years ago, 35,000 last year), seems like their scope has broadened. Jason attributed a significant part of the decrease to home computer use of search engines like Google. He said the role of the library has changed more in these last ten years than in the previous fifty. There are now digital versions of books and a variety of educational and helpful services such as Start Your Job Search Here. At the Reference Desk there’s a “won’t hide, no pride”, approach to answering your questions, available via phone, e-mail, texting, the web site or even in person (ask to see Jason’s masked friend).

    Our thanks to Deb and Jason for showing us that the library isn’t only a place for “Shushhhhhh” these days – it offers much, much more. See the web site www.ahml.info for live chat question response, features, services, or phone 847-392-0100. One can even “text” questions. A parting inside joke/question – is someone who uses Twitter a “Twit”?