Being focused at the library

It's been awhile since I've done anything library related. I read an article today that made me chuckle, and it was something I agree with.
Last summer I took a reference class (one of my least favorite classes, I didn't learn much), and one of our class projects was to learn more about an aspect of the library. Each group had five members, and they had to focus on different aspects of the library (social make-up, interactions, etc but they had more technical terms). The group decided what each person would research about. For my part of the process, I was to research what would make librarians more approachable.
There were a lot of articles, so I had plenty of information to draw on. Some of the things I found were things people should have known, and some were surprising. Making eye contact and smiling is a good start. Be productive, but don't look like you're working so hard you can't be interrupted. The one that surprised me was by introducing yourself to the patron, they are more likely to have a positive experience and return if they need help.
A library blog I follow mentions an article in the American Libraries Magazine. It talked about how librarians should be looking around to see if people need help rather than staring mindlessly at a computer. He mentioned when he was working at a reference desk he wasn't allowed to read anything to appear available and willing to help. At SLCC there is only one computer that has access to the internet, and the other two only have access to the library catalog and system. As a circulation worker I was frustrated by this because there wasn't always that much to do, and we're not allowed to read at the desk. I understand why the policy is there, and I actually agree with, but it was frustrating not having much to do at the circulation desk. Now that I'm a supervisor, when I cover the front desk I try not to stare at a computer at all, unless I'm helping a patron. I feel like I'm more aware of my surroundings, and it seems like people are more likely to ask for help.
If you want to read the article, go here.