Information Slut
I saw some students I know in the campus cafeteria the other day.
"There's my librarian!" one said.
"No, she's my librarian!" the other said.
"Girls, girls, I'm EVERYBODY'S librarian," I said. "I help everyone with their questions. I'm kind of an information slut."
This lead me to think, what if I were NOT in fact an information slut? What if I WEREN'T willing to give it up for just anyone? What might a shift on the reference desk be like then?
*sparkly music to indicate beginning of fantasy sequence*
PATRON: I'm looking for books about Rasputin.
ME: And I'm looking for an attractive single doctor. You know any?
PATRON: I want to find some articles about integrating children with developmental disabilities into a classroom.
ME: Well, I want a pony. I guess we can't always get what we want.
PATRON: I need some help finding this article.
ME: I need a drink.
PATRON: Where are the DVDs?
ME: Why don't you ask your mother?
*sparkly music to indicate ending of fantasy sequence*
Ms. Dewey's got nothing on me.
3 comments:
Don't we ALWAYS want to say "I need a drink" when working reference??
Kelly, as usual, you are hilarious.
Love it--fortunately, I don't see meny patrons face-to-face, but I get many lazy book requests (won't bore you with details, but I'd be happy to elaborate if needed). It make me wonder if they even really want what I'm giving, or it's some sort of info-masochism and they want me to go off on them-- "You've been a naughty patron!"
Kelly, you are fantastic. I really think I should use out the "why don't you ask YOUR MOTHER" on the small children in the department. Nothing like confusing small children and making moms do your job!
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