I have been to three different libraries here so far. The public library, the university library, and the subject library.
I’ve encountered some interesting things. I have had lots of previous experience with libraries in my life. I’ve loved them since I was young. I spent hours in them reading, I’ve spent hours in them checking out books, and spent hours in them writing my thesis.
I was really excited to see the libraries here. They definitely work differently.
First off, if there are metal detectors, they aren’t used for the primary use of preventing stealing. Well, maybe they are, I shall explain. You have to put your belongings into lockers, your bags and jackets if you want to stay in the library. They won’t let you enter or stay if you don’t. I found this strange because I don’t think it’s a very effective way to prevent stealing. They didn’t even have the two books I was looking for. When I asked where they were, they didn’t know. Additionally, the librarians aren’t even ever watchful, they don’t survey the scene, they just sit at their desk. This isn’t the same, I don’t think, for the public library (although you do need to put your belongings in the locker there).
Secondly, to check out books. One’s library has a number on the card which corresponds to the shelf your books will be on when you go to collect them. You enter into a room, without bags and jackets, and look for that shelf. Then you look on that shelf for your books and take them to the librarian who will check them out for you.
Those are the two things I’ve noticed that are different about the libraries here.