View From the Reference Desk: Very Dim
April 11, 2008 by phantommidge
(royalty-free stock image but visit www.fromoldbooks.org anyway, OK?)
So, I am three months into the whole librarian gig and not a fresh-faced kid anymore (can you really be fresh at 39, anyway?). I still like it but I can, indeed, see why some people get burned out.
While I knew there would be weirdos, as I have worked in the public sector for over 10 years, I had no idea the sheer number and scope of oddness. And stupidity.
Now, I’m certainly no stranger to stupidity, as you know. But somedays I despair for the future of this country. Here’s a good one for you:
A very nice young woman came in and I started to help her look for some materials she needed. As I was searching through a database, she noticed my nametag and commented, with complete and utter seriousness, “Wow, I can’t believe your last name is ‘Librarian’! I guess you had to go in to this line of work, huh.” I then had to explain to her that everyone here behind the desk has this last name…as our name tags have only our first names and then job title below that.
Oh, don’t think I wasn’t tempted to make a different remark….
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On a different note… This library blog always makes me laugh: Miss Information
She’s witty, funny and I wish to hell I could write like her (grumble, grumble). Ah, well.
Wow. Although, I can’t say I’m surprised.
I work with college students, and the lighting isn’t better there either.
Haha. I find that quite sweet. I have the same problem, of course. People think my name is ‘Gorilla’.
You mean your last name isn’t Librarian????
Since when?????
At least it could sort of work … I doubt anyone would think my name is “Chris Development Officer”