[Libs-Or] [EXTERNAL] Why is it called "placing a hold" and is there a better phrase that you use?

[Steph Miller]

Interesting question - the word "hold <https://multcolib.org/holds>" is
used at all of the public libraries I've worked at - I'm gonna say
something slightly controversial: assuming folks start and end their
library lives via public libraries in the US, would academic and special
libraries benefit from using similar terminology and advocate internally
for language change?
Another lens to consider is students from different cultures
that offer libraries - at MCL, we have staff with language and
cultural competencies responsible for translating wording into Spanish
<https://multcolib.org/es/holds>, Chinese
<https://multcolib.org/zh-hans/holds> (Simplified), Russian
<https://multcolib.org/ru/holds> and Vietnamese
<https://multcolib.org/vi/holds> (along with a dedicated Translation
Coordinator, which recognizes the importance of reaching our communities
where English is not spoken or the primary language) - if you click on each
link, they will go to the corresponding Holds page with similar info as the
first link I provided above in English. If you Google Translate
<https://www.google.com/search?q=google+translate> the title of each page,
you'll notice the English translations are other words (Advanced loan,
Reservation, Pre-order Materials, Bookings).
I believe this question needs to be considered from the
patron/student/community perspective and that organizations need to be
responsive to community needs in order to remain relevant and supportive,
especially to those community members more likely to experience
marginalization by a white supremacy culture.
Bryan, again, thanks for this interesting discussion topic - it feels good
to discuss chunks of these big picture topics with colleagues around the
state!
Steph



*Steph Miller, MLS
<http://aims.fao.org/activity/blog/five-laws-library-science-detailing-principles-operating-library-system>she/they
pronouns*
https://multcolib.org/tech-classes  <https://multcolib.org/tech-classes>

*Public Training LibrarianTechnology Training Team Co-Chair*
*Adult Learning Department*
*Steward*
Multnomah County Library <http://www.multcolib.org/>
My schedule: Sun - Thu
503-988-5549
multcolib.org






On Tue, Dec 7, 2021 at 4:58 PM taylorlgkw via Libs-Or <
libs-or at omls.oregon.gov> wrote:

> External -
> [image: External Sender]
>
> Out of curiosity, does anyone say "reserve" instead of "hold?" We use
> "request" for purchase requests, but I could see reserve working. However,
> that might be problematic for folks familiar with academic reserves.
>
> Cheers,
>
> Taylor W. (She/her)
> SPL, Youth Services
> Springfield, OR
>
>
>
>
> Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone
>
>
> -------- Original message --------
> From: Kathleen Veldhuisen via Libs-Or <libs-or at omls.oregon.gov>
> Date: 12/7/21 10:55 AM (GMT-08:00)
> To: Bryan Miyagishima <miyagib at linnbenton.edu>
> Cc: LIBS-OR at omls.oregon.gov
> Subject: Re: [Libs-Or] [EXTERNAL] Why is it called "placing a hold" and is
> there a better phrase that you use?
>
> Hi, Brian.
>
> We replaced the language "place a hold" with "Request." That's what our
> links and buttons say, and how we talk about it with patrons.  We do use
> "place a hold" when talking among staff to distinguish between local holds
> and resource sharing requests.
>
> Kathleen
>
> Kathleen Veldhuisen, Reference Librarian
>
> -----------------------------------------------
>
> Chemeketa Community College Library
>
> 4000 Lancaster Drive Northeast, Salem, OR 97305
>
> 503.399.5203; kathleen.veldhuisen at chemeketa.edu
>
> She/her/hers
>
>
> On Tue, Dec 7, 2021 at 10:10 AM Bryan Miyagishima via Libs-Or <
> libs-or at omls.oregon.gov> wrote:
>
>> This question definitely falls into the non-urgent category. Still, it
>> got me wondering enough that I thought I'd pose it to the Borg.
>>
>> We're beginning to use our ILS for students to make equipment
>> reservations for next term and I'm trying to come up with language to help
>> explain the process to students. It seems to me that for the one
>> transaction that many students will have with our library it doesn't make
>> any sense to use library jargon. Moreover, we actually use "place hold" in
>> a very negative way here at the college; our business office sends out
>> communiques that say, "we will place a hold on your account if you do not
>> pay by X date."
>>
>> Does anyone actually know the origins of "placing a hold," and, how do
>> you like to explain it to patrons when all your ILS buttons and
>> documentation say "place hold?"
>>
>> Hope you're having a great Tuesday!
>>
>> Bryan Miyagishima, Linn-Benton Community College Library
>>
>
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