Somebody told me the library...

We have unusual requests all the time. Sometimes it’s unusual information that’s being requested. Sometimes it’s an unusual person doing the asking. Sometimes the person and what they are asking for don’t seem to match. Often, it can be connected to the statement, “Somebody told me the library...”

A woman came bustling up to the desk. "I want a divorce today. Somebody told me the library did that.”

Hello to you, too. "Well, no, actually I just have the forms here. If you fill them out and file today at the courthouse, your court date should be about 60 days from now."

"Oh, I can't wait that long. If I pay more money, can you hurry it up?"

A young teen came to the desk. “I’m here to pick up my grandmother’s medicine,” she stated matter-of-factly.

“Well, was there a book about it you were looking for?”

She looked at me, puzzled. As in “What part of my statement didn’t you understand?”

“My grandmother said to come to the library and pick up her medicine,” she said slowly and clearly, obviously for my benefit. “It comes in a little brown bottle,” she added helpfully. She was peering around behind me, thinking she would see the little bottle back there on the bookshelves.

“Can you call her and ask for sure?” I said. “We don’t have any medicine here; that’s usually at the pharmacy.”

“A pharmacy?” she asked. “Like Osco,” I said.

“Oh, yeah. She does go to Osco sometimes. I could try there – if you’re sure you don’t have it.”

“Somebody told me the library made passports,” a young man said, walking rapidly toward the desk. “Can you hurry up and take my picture? I’m on my lunch hour.”

He looked downcast as I told him, “I’m sorry. You have to go to the Post Office for the forms, and, ah, sir? They won’t take your picture over there, either.”

This shows that people get a lot of information from those they know and trust. It also shows that they trust them blindly and without thinking. Let me ask a favor. Before you direct somebody our way, think. Does the library really have what you say? Don't let us blame you the next time someone comes to the desk and says, “Somebody told me the library….”

Comments

[ck]

As we ponder the relevancy of libraries today it makes me glad, somehow, that there are still people out there who think of the library as the default answer place. Even if they're wrong.

Yeah, I grind my teeth each time someone comes up to me at the reference desk and asks, "Can you make my resume for me? I heard you guys did that here."

Just my $.02.

[feelgoodlibrarian]

I agree with you. I don't mind answering these questions - I think it's kind of funny. I just don't want them to be frustrated with the library because what they were told was here really isn't.

FGL

[sarah]

But don't you see... you did have the answer they needed, you did get them to the right place in a way. Think about this... so many people when asked a question like some of those you mentioned would say "I don't know." and walk away. You guys on the other hand, specially trained not to say "I don't know." do have something helpful for everyone.. forms, answers, humor, help... it all comes down to help, and you are doing it beautifully, touching so many lives, and the impact you are having is massive and something you may never know... that's grace for you... huggles.

[Angel]

I had a good laugh over the questions. People often take things so literally. But I like how you handled them, which highlights that librarians should have that commitment to service along with a nice human touch. Best.

[feelgoodlibrarian]

Thanks, Angel.

FGL