All in a Morning's Work

Patron on Phone: "I would have returned your phone call earlier but the woman who answered the phone took three minutes to say "City Library", then she transferred me to the children's department. The employee in there told me to hang up and call the main line again rather than transfer the call. I'm sure they are very nice people but do they not know how to use the phone?"

(unfortunately, this is not a rare occurrence).

Patron in Person: "Can I use this computer?" as he gestures to the microfilm reader.

(this rarely happens, but it didn't surprise me)

Patron in Person: "Where are the papers for sale?" (I explain we don't sell newspapers, but we have them for people to look at.) "They told me downstairs you sell newspapers up here." (well, they don't know how to use a phone, either, so why would you believe them?)

Patron in Person: "I have a rash that my daughter couldn't identify so she told me to come to the library to find out what it is."

(look, we can barely function when it comes to answering a phone, why would we dispense medical advice? Fortunately, she didn't show me her rash)

Director in Person: "That man over there wants books by Tim LaHaye. How do you find out which are the new ones?"

(unfortunately, that's not a rare occurrence either since the director doesn't seem to know how to use the OPAC. But I know for a fact he can transfer phone calls since I get them on a regular basis).

Fortunately, I have a reprieve--lunchtime!