Patron:I asked for the NEWEST issue of this newspaper! Why did you give me the old one? ARE YOU STUPID?!?!
Me:It's entirely possible that I am stupid, but it's certainly not for that reason. Have you thought that maybe someone else is using the newest edition of that paper at the moment?
Patron:Well then go get me another copy of it. I've been coming here for 20 years and never had a late fee, so when I want to use something, IT BETTER DAMN WELL BE HERE!
Me:Okay, sir. No problem. Can I just see your library card to verify that "no fines in 20 years" declaration?
Patron:*walks away*
Putting together the new items list today, I thought I saw a Kim Kardashian cd listed under “Classical.”
I do so hope Kim KashKASHian considers a name change soon.
I Twitter a lot about my job as a librarian, mostly complaining (in general and not-so-general terms) about patrons who’ve said or done something crazy. If you have any real experience in libraries, you know such patrons are everywhere. It’s like stealing candy from a crazy, cranky baby. Who is…
This is 100% why I started a more anonymous form of talking about my job.
There is TRULY a need to talk about it. It’s cathartic, and being able to joke or even complain is how you get through the hard days, because there are some really hard days. But I was finding it impossible to balance my regular twitter account and my need to be open about the things that happen.
So I created this twitter/tumblr to talk about things. Cause sometimes you need to talk.
And sometimes, you just need a strong gin and tonic.
A small collection of subject line mania
“Caller asking about using copying a few of her own CDs for her car CD Player”
“Newspaper cautionary”
“I have attempted to firm up the connections from the end that I can reach, but not at the CPU.”
“There is a woman sprawled in one or two chairs by the window by the Fiction shelves S-Z who has covered herself up with her coat, seemingly burying her face. “
“Patron was very, very pleased that we have the 2010 edition of this reference as she is listed in it for the first time—a playright, and all her published plays and awards are listed.”
…..you should see the actual emails.
Guy:So I was in the bathroom and heard stapling noises. Then I heard a flush. Then a whoosh of air. Then I saw a man with your stapler.
Me:Oooookay.
Guy:What are you going to do about this?! You need to find him and arrest him! He committed a crime!
Me:I'm not going to follow a person into the bathroom.
Guy:IT'S YOUR JOB! YOU FAIL AT YOUR JOB! THIS MAN NEEDS TO BE BROUGHT TO JUSTICE!
If someone is trying to help you find what you need, it’s really rude to start walking away in the middle of them talking to you.
If you do it to me, I start saying things like “and when you find you’ve walked away too soon and come back to ask me more questions, please excuse my laughing at you.”
