It's time for a break

I was a little nervous arriving at Koç on my first day, Nov. 17. As soon as I met the library director, my fears vanished. Although she had not communicated with me during my year long application process, Didar is very friendly and makes every effort to make me feel comfortable.

We met in the conference room with one of two assistant directors. Koç was started in 1993, so everything is relatively new. The library has beautiful cherry wood furniture and woodwork throughout, making a very pleasant work environment.

The first question they asked me was why Turkey! So I proceeded to tell them about my aversion to XMAS. I am their first visiting librarian; they are pleased that I expressed an interest in their library.

They are thirsty for knowledge about how our library works. I'll save the details for my colleagues and just tell you that one of the first things they told me was about the breaks- at 10:30 and 3:30. They start at 8:30 (though all my meetings begin at 9:30.) So while we were meeting, the tea lady was serving us tea. Then we had a break and went down to the break room - and again tea was served!

At noon, we all went to the cafeteria for lunch. Koç was built in a forest. (They told me the law suit is still going on because not everyone liked the idea of building in a forest.) The nearest town, Sariyer, is about 15 min. down the hill. So everyone seems to eat on campus. Maybe meals are subsidized. (Transportation to the school is provided by multiple mini buses that come from all over.) I am provided tickets for 3 meals daily in the cafeteria. The food is delicious! Huge salad bar (no ranch dressing, jello or canned peaches.) There are 3 stations with a variety of entrees, soup, appetizer and desserts. The library team sits together. When they talk to me they use the term friend instead of colleague, but I think they are genuinely friends.

After lunch, they take me up to the alumni club. They like it because students are not allowed! It looks like Delta's Crown Room. Library staff are playing pool and they serve cappaccino!

This was the routine for the first week. Different team members were assigned to take me to lunch and then we went upstairs. I also quickly learned that they like to huddle ın the doorways of the terrace to smoke. Thank goodness no smoking is permitted in any building. About 90% smoke and they're all young. I told them my mission is to start a smoking cessation clinic!

I share an office with one of the 2 new business librarians. Derya, who has been the business librarian for 10 yrs, just moved to a new position. There kicked Gerbe out of her office to make room for me! I have a phone and computer. Of course it is a challenge to use a Turkish keyboard, but I'm managing. (amazing how many English language words have i's!)

English is the language of instruction, but they speak Turkish amongst themselves. When I was introduced to everyone during the library tour, I used my 3 Turkish expressions. They then made the comment that my Turkish will improve during my stay. In the afternon, one of the librarians brought me a book of Turkish grammer. I tried to express my appreciation by saying maybe I could check it out. She replied by telling me she had already checked it out for me!

I had a tour of the campus. Koç is one of the richest men in Turkey. Koç Industries is a conglomorate. The library sits on a plaza with the student center and the administration building. Nearby are about 3 classroom buildings. There is beautiful art work and sculpture thoughout. When I returned from the tour, Tuba told everyone I was impressed with the gym!

Differences from Emory - the male staff wear ties. The security guy wears a suit and makes sure the noise level is kept down. There is a cleaning man on duty all the time. Anyone can enter the building. They have 2 24 hour study rooms at the entrance to the library, so after 9 pm students can only enter these 2 rooms.

Everyone' English is quite good, but they use too instead of a lot and say every time instead of any time. My office mate struggles sometimes, but I am so lucky with their English fluency.