Tim Albrecht on running a tight ship

By True Grimes

Students act differently when you are at the library. They sit up straighter, speak softer, and even stand at attention and salute. Bottom line is that we tow the line when you are watching.

Obviously, you must be the boss, since running a tight ship and intimidating with an authoritative presence.

“Ha ha, no, the dean of student affairs and library is Teri Wichman. My name is Tim Albrecht but please call me Tim. Mr. Albrecht is my dad. My official state job title is customer service specialist.”

Your type of customer service is unusual. Are you positive that your formal designation is not martinet?

“No, I am not a strict disciplinarian, All our library staffoccasionally walk through the entire scholar zone to ensure smooth operations and students are well. It probably seems like I am the only bad guy around, because my schedule allows more time for it.”

What sort of dangers might a librarian be on the lookout for when taking these walks?

“Our top three major concerns presenting opportunities are library computers, cell phones and eating food.”

All this time I thought libraries were safe places.

“Our computers are solely for researching and locating books, periodicals, publications, and scholastic journals that cost this college an enormous amount of money. In addition, NCC students may access D2L (Desire to Learn) and E-services.”

Is it permissible to check emails? Inquiring students wanted to know.

“We ask that students conduct personal business elsewhere that includes personal email, Facebook, MySpace, YouTube, whatever.”

Thank you for clarifying the unacceptable web pages. To be honest, when you are on duty, I stick to research. On the other hand, when you are away, I occasionally check Yahoo.com.

“I wish you had not told me that. That is not something I wanted to know. Neverthless, we understand that students need to check metnet.edu or their personal email for messages from instructors, which is acceptable.

“Since only a limited number of workstations are available, computers must be reserved for students doing homework. Yesterday, I asked a student to leave and nev er return to the library for refusing to quit Facebook.”

What is the most fun thing about your job?

“Since a people person, I love working with the diverse group of students. I use my brain more at the library, which keeps me on my toes.”

Do you mind being Darth Vader of the library?

“I know that it is annoying to have a bunch of rules posted all over campus. However, the Student Code of Conduct, not me, governs the Library’s Rules of Behavior, www.normandale.edu/library/Rules.htm.”

Library users will not bring food into the Library.

“When students bring in large platters of food, they are re-directed to the cafeteria to finish the meal.”

Beverages in securely covered containers will be permitted.

“Since a big coffee drinker myself, I especially appreciate being able to bring in drinks from Java Junction.”

Do students get away with bringing in candy?

“M&Ms, Skittles, and non-messy candy slip by if students share them with me.”

Engage in disorderly conduct or activities, which are unreasonably disturbing or offensive to library staff and/or users?

“There was a young couple acting inappropriately, of a sexual nature, that I had to break up three different times one day last semester. I am proud to report that I have had to break up only one fight so far during the past seven years. Two young men were fighting over a girl, yelling and pushing each other back and forth, but no punches had been thrown yet. I the two to the outside hallway where things calmed down. ‘Hey, guys, it is really not worth it to fight over a girl. I have been there and done that before myself, so I am speaking from experience.’”

Was the girl you fought over Nancy Albrecht, supervisor of College Services?

No, but later I got smart and married the Nancy of Normandale.

Remove or attempt to remove library materials or property without checking them out or obtaining the appropriate authorization? With 100,000 books shelved, have students ever tried sneaking out materials?

“When the overly sensitive alarm sounds, we simply ask the student but discover that materials from another university triggered the alarm, or too many students entered and exited at the same time.”

Mutilate library materials or property by marking, underlining, removing pages or portion of pages, removing bindings, removing electronic security devices, or in any way injuring or defacing materials?

When giving NCC 1000 class tours of the library, this is always highlighted, since it is a felony
that warrants arrest jail time. Our students are considerate of the library’s properties and not done jail time.”

Using group study rooms without appropriate authorization?

“If fellow classmates need to study together, this is a good place to get it done. Reserve one of seven or eight available for two hours by signing in at the circulation desk two hours.”

Leave children unattended in the Library?

“Since libraries are for readers of all ages, children quietly supervised by their parents are welcomed.”

Use a cellular phone to make or receive calls?

“This is the most common complaint students come to us about. A few weeks ago, when asking someone to step out of the library to continue a cell phone conversation, I was shocked when she said, ‘I am paying for my school so I can do what I want to do.’ Other than reminding students to keep their voices down, NCC students are very respectful. In fact, I often tease them about calling me “sir” and remind them, “Yeah, I do not bite, hard!”

Tim, you are not Darth Vader after all. It’s obvious that you have taken it on your shoulders to make sure this library stays a library. After all, why would students trash it out when they are paying good mony to use it? We just need to step back and be smart enough to do our homework and NOT check Facebook. Thank you, Tim, for caring and doing a great job.