Howdy, I’m J.D. Burns, and I’m the Patron Services Coordinator with Talking Book Services (TBS) at the Mississippi Library Commission. As Patron Services Coordinator, one of my primary responsibilities is ensuring that TBS patrons are receiving the highest level of service and support that we can give them. Whether that’s in a more traditional Reader Advisors capacity, providing technical support for our TBS audiobook app BARD, or the multiple accessible devices offered to our patrons, my goal is to make sure that TBS patrons are receiving personalized and excellent service.

I’ve been with TBS for about six years, and in that time, there really isn’t much I haven’t done within the department. Whether it’s completing our normal day in-day out circulation service, speaking with patrons over the phone to update their contact information, taking specific requests, troubleshooting technical problems, traveling around the state in an outreach capacity, or more tackling administrative issues such as reporting and budgets, a goal of mine has always been to learn as much as possible about the numerous services offered that fall under our department’s umbrella so as to be an asset to our patrons and the agency. Personally, I have always aspired in my work to be in some way of service to my community. I believe that working in Talking Books accomplishes this daily. TBS serves Mississippians who have some sort of sight, physical, or learning disability (which may prevent them from accessing their local public library). MLC is the primary talking book library for the entire state, which means that I interact with our patrons every day over the phone, through email, and sometimes in person. I enjoy speaking with our patrons and getting to know them and I strive to build relationships with them. This allows me to help find new titles or authors that I know they will enjoy and better personalize their service to suit their individual situations. One of my recent professional achievements has been completing a short course from the National Federation for the Blind on learning beginner braille. I take pride in knowing that I and TBS are making sure our braille-reading patrons aren’t lost in the shuffle.

Before I began my career with TBS I spent almost a decade working in music stores and music education programs, as well as some time as a sound engineer for local clubs. A friend (who was employed as a library consultant with MLC at the time) knew I was looking for a career change, but that I wouldn’t be happy with something that I didn’t feel a connection to. She suggested I apply for a position as a circulation librarian with TBS. The rest is history as they say. My experience has helped me to transition into my current position, as one of my other primary responsibilities with TBS is recording the audio for, and then circulating, locally produced books and magazines, such as Mississippi Outdoors and Mississippi Magazine. Having a background in audio engineering aids in the production of these, which we record right here at the Library Commission. In my free time I still love to play music, but my wife, two children, and five cats tend to fill my time outside of the office.

I personally believe libraries and access to education and information is an integral part of any healthy society, and I am proud to say that I help make those services more accessible to Mississippians who may otherwise go underserved.

J.D. Burns
Patron Services Coordinator