Main Entry= ME

Name Access Point (NAP), Subject Acess Point (SAP),  Title Access Point (TAP) are all examples of access points to finding the information we want. With library catalogs computerized, patrons have mutiples access points, unlike in the days of old when Main Entry in the card catalog was the solo route. But as I continue to learn about the organization of the library in all its forms, from the computerized catalog to the physical space, I realize that there is still one very crucial Main Entry- me! The library doesn't magically organize itself- trained teacher librarian's at at the heart of effecient school libraries. The ultimate goal in all of this being providing the best possibe access for U the User. To play on words, at the heart of ME is U.

I was really challenged to consider the user during an exercise in LIBE 465 that had us respond to an image by searching for key words related to it in our school library catalogs. Placing myself in the shoes of a user made me realize the limitations of the catalog. My instinct was to respond to the image of a First Nations man wearning an elaborate head-dress by typing First Nations as my SAP- no results. I had done some research the day prior for resources on the First Nations legend of Zunuqua, so I remembered that the term Native American had resulted in some success. Sure enough, using this term did bring up results. This is classic example of the changing nature of language and its context being an obstacle to the effective use of catalog determined by a centralized rules system (in my school's case the Sears method of cataloging).

So in this example, for my users the computerized catalog did not meet all their needs. So how can I respond?

Me= main entry. I can teach my students how to use different search terms to find what they are looking for, in hopes of better results. I can anicipate search terms my users may attempt, and change the MARC record to reflect those, offering another SAP. I can guide users to the physical place in the library that would house books on the topics, allowing them to peruse them. I could re-organize the physical space to house books on a particularly popular and relevent topic in an easily accessible location or manner; for example, all on one shelf, on a spinner, or in tubs (al of which would be clearlt labelled, of course). I also can organize the virtual space by adding resources on relevant topics, adding multiple tags, and a search function on the web page. The role of teacher librarian in access is vital- we truly are the Main Entry as we ensure all the access points to information meet the users needs!