tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53919102012-02-15T22:51:23.825-08:00Some days I love working the reference desk, some days I hate it, and it's often the same day.peter burdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11128562549592810926noreply@blogger.comBlogger3851100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5391910.post-53740218661553958022008-12-07T17:20:00.000-08:002008-12-07T17:24:46.242-08:00

Anonymous againIt will come as no surprise to most of you that I have decided to stop updating this blog, since I haven't updated the damn thing in a month, anyway. When I began using Twitter to post my more entertaining refdesk moments I thought it would free the blog for incisive commentary. Obviously I have none to offer. However, I am going one step further. I will no longer post to

peter burdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11128562549592810926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5391910.post-51334591575091753902008-11-06T18:49:00.000-08:002008-11-06T18:53:49.113-08:00

In the EveningI know I've twittered this information, but for the rest of you I'll say that our new reference desk setup, stuck amongst the public terminals, sucks. I repeat, it sucks.Deaf sentence, by David Lodge.Ranma #13.The verbally abusive relationship, by Patricia Evans.Guest pass.Shut up!Websites to help kids move up to their grade level, in Spanish.At least it's quiet tonight, apart from

peter burdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11128562549592810926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5391910.post-19501878978069491122008-11-05T15:33:00.000-08:002008-11-05T21:47:25.984-08:00

I suppose you have to take it somewhere. Some guy I never saw figured that a corner of our quiet library stacks was the perfect place to ... release.But I, weeding the biographies, heard his desperate shout:"OBAMA WON!"Nothing more.He sounded really pissed.

peter burdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11128562549592810926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5391910.post-44940271565677185712008-09-22T22:27:00.000-07:002008-09-22T22:35:19.902-07:00

My ImportanceI thought I worked the evening, so came in at noon, but I had misread the schedule. In other words, I wasn't at work this morning when I should have been.No one noticed.

peter burdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11128562549592810926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5391910.post-84111774316169423302008-09-12T22:03:00.000-07:002008-09-12T22:07:11.588-07:00

Busy AfternoonFriday afternoon was tough. Not only were we working with the local community college's new influx of naive students, new to serious research and often new to computers, but the schools had a half-day so loud kids were filling the place up early. And it was raining, so people who might have wanted to leave chose not to. We were running all over the place.At 3:15, a surprise: the

peter burdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11128562549592810926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5391910.post-43013529334693708402008-09-09T18:54:00.000-07:002008-09-09T18:55:23.476-07:00

In the AfternoonSalesmanship books.Crying baby."From rage to reason," by Janet Langhart Cohen. (Over the phone. "I ... just ... can't ... find ... my ... card ... anywhere ...")Computers are over there, sir.She calls back with her barcode, but I've already found it."Yes, or no," by Spencer Johnson.Some year's best horror anthology series.I can't notarize that, sir.Coworker: "My husband started

peter burdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11128562549592810926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5391910.post-20623199996445254232008-08-12T18:53:00.000-07:002008-08-12T18:54:48.929-07:00

In the Evening:She's never used a computer before. She doesn't know how to use a mouse, type, or "spell," as she puts it. So I go and print her credit report for her. "What am I supposed to do with this?"He's astonished I've heard of Ben Hecht.Where is area code 817?Videos on the Justice Department.WOW Gospel 2006.Pen.1991 Honda Civic repair manual.Does she need to be here for tonight's book

peter burdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11128562549592810926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5391910.post-51713873702031305532008-07-25T16:32:00.000-07:002008-07-25T16:33:38.915-07:00

On a Lovely Friday Afternoon:Request for Jordan Sparks and Phil Stacey CDs, from a coworker.What on earth was the title for the second Star wars film?Pencil."Once a king, always a king," by Reymundo Sanchez.She's entering high school. Can't she get an adult card? Sure, and so can her mother.Oops, I'm not supposed to be here right now ...(One hour later)Notarization."Authors like Zane."We don't

peter burdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11128562549592810926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5391910.post-60717727358470820982008-06-30T15:48:00.000-07:002008-06-30T15:52:46.689-07:00

MockedI was reminded of this at a meeting today. A couple months ago I decided to give Stephanie Meyer's Twilight a try, since so many people were reading it. I was on desk glancing at the first chapter when I hear:"BWA-HA-HA-HA! You're reading 'Twilight!' That's a sissy book. You must be a big girlie!"I looked up and saw a girl with glasses, probably in middle school, whom I had never seen

peter burdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11128562549592810926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5391910.post-84789691905646820772008-06-17T18:53:00.000-07:002008-06-17T18:54:28.558-07:00

Since Twitter has been Absolutely Useless Lately:In the Evening:Four straight faxes.The fountainhead on CD.Copier advice.Word has resume templates, sir."Can you tell me if Venus has a ring around it?"I think the weird hippy guy is hitting on Librarian K.Competing in analytics, by Davenport and Harris.Sorry, we don't loan out Windows operating systems, sir.Could you turn your IPod down, please?

peter burdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11128562549592810926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5391910.post-10209946110764433032008-05-20T18:51:00.000-07:002008-05-20T18:53:10.704-07:00

In the Evening:Twitter seems to be down."You got any history movies? ... You know, civil rights movement or slavery?"Don't run!I don't know why they transferred you here, sir. We don't renew items.OCDYep, we have WIFI.The so-called "stimulus" forms.DVD loan policy.I swear that patron looks just like Popeye's dad Pappy.Encyclopedias are over there, kid.A whole bunch of ILLs by Brenda

peter burdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11128562549592810926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5391910.post-63134496950781315272008-05-12T15:47:00.000-07:002008-05-12T15:48:36.560-07:00

I come back from a vacation, refreshed, ready to tackle the new extraordinary challenges that have cropped up while I was gone.And I find everything exactly the same. The same patrons, the same questions, coworkers and gripes. I am disappointed. I wanted a fresh start. I wanted something new. I wanted to find the kids section crawling with alligators. I wanted to learn that Bin Laden had

peter burdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11128562549592810926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5391910.post-31998740364795257862008-04-10T21:26:00.000-07:002008-04-10T22:11:43.247-07:00

Library War (Toshokan Sensou)The most important librarian anime since Read or Die has started its run in Japan!Apparently in the story the government has begun to crack down on what the citizens can read, and the only the librarians can stop them! And they're serious. Look! Angry librarians with guns!If they actually gave us guns, we librarians might choose to shoot other things besides

peter burdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11128562549592810926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5391910.post-41997212117076881532008-03-29T00:06:00.000-07:002008-03-29T00:29:37.591-07:00

The Roughest Week at the Desk I Can Remember, Sorry if I Ramble and get a Little Pissed Off, but ...It was spring break. This meant the kids didn't come pouring in after school, but all day. Usually this means the evenings are more quiet, but ...The head techie was on vacation and things broke down. The copier's debit card slot got something stuck in it. It still took coins, but that meant

peter burdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11128562549592810926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5391910.post-29802060010926212422008-03-21T23:40:00.000-07:002008-03-21T23:54:38.658-07:00

Big snowstorm today, but we thought it not big enough to close early.At 3:45 I was taking a 15-minute powernap in my office when Librarian J phoned me. "You ARE aware that we're closing in ten minutes because of the snow?"Uh, no, I wasn't. Thanks.I imagined myself waking up in 15 minutes, coming out to the ref desk and finding the lights out and everyone gone ...

peter burdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11128562549592810926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5391910.post-27365650283821486462008-03-20T20:30:00.000-07:002008-03-20T20:39:07.119-07:00

An Admin Guy approaches, holding a copy of A companion to wolves, by Sarah Monette and Elizabeth Bear. Admin Guy: Someone complained about this book.Me: Huh! I read her blog.AG: (flipping through the pages too quickly to actually read them) I don't see anything wrong with it ... (Shrugs)

peter burdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11128562549592810926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5391910.post-17072959354279161842008-03-17T10:32:00.000-07:002008-03-17T10:36:29.002-07:00

Never mind, I obviously decided to do it. Now the daily reference stuff will be Twittered on the side.This gives me the main blog space to write what I want, if I can think of anything to write.Though Twittering the ref desk is a novelty for now, I'm sure it will wear off, though it's easier than how I used to do it. I don't have to cut and paste from a notepad, and I've now lost (I believe)

peter burdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11128562549592810926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5391910.post-50867252079892282372008-03-16T12:59:00.000-07:002008-03-16T13:01:36.273-07:00

General QuestionI'm thinking of continuing this using Twitter in some way.Or is someone already doing it?Thoughts?

peter burdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11128562549592810926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5391910.post-22008321598151761752008-03-08T00:48:00.000-08:002008-03-08T01:54:51.688-08:00

An Actual HARD Reference QuestionName the battleships used for heavy bombardment in the Battle of Saipan. Not the first batch of ships. He wants the eight pre-Pearl Harbor monsters they brought in the next day, commanded by Admiral Oldendorf.Sounds easy, doesn't it? No, it was a tough question, and I loved working on it.But it took forever because of the other questions: printer advice, how to

peter burdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11128562549592810926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5391910.post-51670430571561266542008-03-06T12:36:00.000-08:002008-03-06T12:38:10.335-08:00

In the MorningPen.Paper and pencil.Go ahead. Use the computer. She tries to scrounge up the money to print out a Project runway application.Yet another person asks permission to use the self-service computers ...Loading Flash.Dreamers of the day, by Mary Doria Russell, The blue star, by Tony Earley and The rain before it falls, by Jonathan Coe.Of mice and men on DVD.A loud family comes in, each

peter burdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11128562549592810926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5391910.post-90227385024851818202008-02-28T15:06:00.000-08:002008-02-28T20:20:38.860-08:00

In the AfternoonPart of the city blew up! We watch streaming helicopter footage.Fax.Notarization.The importance of being earnest on DVD.She left a USB cable here last week. I remember someone turning it in, but it's gone now.Clashes of cavalry, by Thom Hatch, and Robert Fulghum books.More streaming footage. Several stores trashed. I'm glad I took a different route to work today."Why this

peter burdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11128562549592810926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5391910.post-32092364067297992302008-02-07T07:15:00.000-08:002008-02-07T07:16:55.490-08:00

Yesterday, in the SnowEvery other library and every school in the district is closed today, but us? We're open."I am too allowed to use the computers! My library said they would tell you about the change! I walked all the way in this weather to use the computers here! I have a consitutional right to swear! I'm going back and I'm going to sue you!"The next patron is equally loud. He's from a

peter burdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11128562549592810926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5391910.post-7312965077543498572008-02-01T13:06:00.000-08:002008-02-01T15:22:25.416-08:00

Selected Transactions from Today:"I have a book title. It's in German. M-E-I-N ... K-A ... Your copies are checked out? Do you have any Noam Chomsky?"She inhaled the Princess diaries series in three weeks, but will have to wait months for the final volume.I figure out what "sopa de pollo para" means through sheer repetition of titles.

peter burdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11128562549592810926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5391910.post-18724203257365680782008-01-29T10:35:00.000-08:002008-01-29T10:37:21.435-08:00

Yesterday Morning:Bathroom.Library cards over there, sir."I'm completely computer literate." They storm off when I tell them about the signup procedure.Hepatitis C. "Want to see what I'm up against." I didn't need to know that he has it ...Tax forms are out in the lobby, ma'am.Study room signup.Night, by Elie Wiesel. The patron hangs up before I can grab a copy. She calls back and hangs up

peter burdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11128562549592810926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5391910.post-83536974244337786892008-01-03T15:04:00.000-08:002008-01-03T15:05:28.453-08:00

In the Afternoon:Er, Happy New Year.Terry McMillan books.The best Christmas pageant ever, by Barbara Robinson.How to put money on her print card."I've been to four libraries and your's is the only one that doesn't allow ..."Fax.Computer class signup.Maus 2, by Art Spiegelman.Computer class signup.Where can she get her birth certificate?Don't run!Computer class signup, and you get a library card

peter burdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11128562549592810926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5391910.post-35429602300756267312007-12-19T12:17:00.000-08:002007-12-19T12:20:31.991-08:00

In the MorningThat guy's shoes squeak worse than mine.Can I help you? (Click)HOBET guides.A patron explains the difference between Charlie Mccarthy and Paul McCartney, also the difference between rich and poor.Can I help you? "No."Today's paper.A straightedge ruler and a pen, a black one, please.A patron picks up an ILL'd videotape.Sorry, no tax forms yet.Two faxes and a paper clip.He wants to

peter burdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11128562549592810926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5391910.post-87558026071174921422007-12-07T15:47:00.000-08:002007-12-07T15:57:40.070-08:00

In the Afternoon:Ten minutes resetting all the public computers.And now the phone’s screwed up.Fixed!Sorry, kid. No headphones.Copier advice.Card charger advice.Quiet, please.“Rainbow fish” books for his little sister.T is for trespass, by Sue Grafton.Quiet!I check a computer reservation.Lampwork glass beads.A kid tells someone to shut up and is told to shut up.The fish kids are back for more

peter burdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11128562549592810926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5391910.post-36365773034711609812007-11-27T17:20:00.001-08:002007-11-27T17:20:37.323-08:00

In the Afternoon:It's freezing in here ... again.PencilComputer login help.The law library is next door, ma'am.I show an elderly gentleman how to purchase a cd online. (He figures it out! Whoo-hoo!)Yes, ma'am, our printers are working."My computer's not working."Missing mouse ball.Clapton, the autobiography.This isn't the machine you reserved, sir. That's why it won't let you on.You'll have to

peter burdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11128562549592810926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5391910.post-43181455369633317982007-11-08T08:02:00.000-08:002007-11-08T08:11:13.268-08:00

Willa Catheter??

peter burdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11128562549592810926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5391910.post-88847120866528103262007-11-06T14:59:00.000-08:002007-11-06T15:01:02.205-08:00

In the AfternoonDon't run! And turn off your cell!You can run, but you can't hide, by Duane "Dog" Chapman with Laura Morton.Somebody left their hat.PDRYes ma'am, a card with from that library is good here.She asks for books on herbal treatments for asthma by saying "I need books on health issues."He seems a little surprised that Rush Hour 3 and Spiderman 3 both have waiting lists. "Well, what

peter burdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11128562549592810926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5391910.post-84663976170121150602007-10-22T12:08:00.001-07:002007-10-22T12:08:33.275-07:00

In the Morning:Back from vacation, sigh.I give my computer signup lecture.Resume templates.Printer advice.Kids are camping out at the express Internet workstations.Don't worry, ma'am. The card will pop out again if you put it in the wrong way.More resume advice.More printer advice.She can't log in. Probably a fine on her card.Local employment office. Finally! Forty minutes in, I get a

peter burdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11128562549592810926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5391910.post-90738345376981336752007-10-04T15:00:00.001-07:002007-10-04T15:00:33.815-07:00

In the AfternoonPen.The choice, by Nicholas Sparks.Yet another question about our computer workshops, which were all booked a week ago ...Keep it down, guys.I give my "How to load the microfilm reader" lecture.Aztec language.Today's paper.Do we have what?? A dot-matrix printer??The debit card you bought only has sixy cents to start with, ma'am.Norbit.Question after question about Michael

peter burdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11128562549592810926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5391910.post-31346672563988147952007-09-25T18:52:00.000-07:002007-09-25T18:55:06.042-07:00

In the Evening:Don't run!Bathrooms are over there (different patron).Printer advice.Walk! (She was skipping)The kids section is downstairs, ma'am.Yes, sir, we're the only public library in town.I don't speak Spanish, but Librarian C here does.Don't run!There are more kids around every damn day.The kids section is downstairs, sir.It costs two dollars to replace a lost card, ma'am, or is it three?

peter burdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11128562549592810926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5391910.post-68113145946301290772007-09-11T10:37:00.000-07:002007-09-11T10:42:25.718-07:00

"Do you have 'The Mango of the House?'" You mean The House on Mango Street?"Er, yes."

peter burdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11128562549592810926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5391910.post-87351385245212814492007-09-10T11:39:00.000-07:002007-09-10T11:40:07.406-07:00

Happy MondayHarold Robbins and Sidney Sheldon on CD.Ontario's a province, sir, not a city.Where can you receive a fax? Good question ...I put a guest patron on a computer.Today's paper.No, we didn't get the weekend paper, either.Another guest on the computer. I tell her to save her work often, but I know she won't.Printer advice for two patrons which involves a lot of blank stares.Islam.Yes,

peter burdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11128562549592810926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5391910.post-57961005275821480892007-08-28T17:36:00.000-07:002007-08-28T17:38:17.770-07:00

Which Patron Would You Rather Help?Mother: I need books on psychology.Son: Cartoons!Me: Can you narrow it down a little?Mother: ... Beginning ...Son: I want cartoons!Mother: ... Adults, children, you know ...Son: Cartoons! Where are the cartoons?!

peter burdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11128562549592810926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5391910.post-89450352259487721352007-08-22T18:43:00.000-07:002007-08-22T18:55:47.442-07:00

In the Evening:Several computers go down in unrelated ways.Computer class signup.He's shocked and angry because we won't give him a library card.Yoga books.Dead Man Walking.Basic Automotive Service & Maintenance, by Don Knowles.Polish language instruction books.Can I help you? (click)How to put money on her library card.They'll break a five for you over there, sir.Mr. Bean.Concertos on

peter burdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11128562549592810926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5391910.post-27670408200801265812007-08-13T13:56:00.000-07:002007-08-13T13:58:40.353-07:00

I'm not going do the afternoon, but I'd like to add that my first encounter with Windows Vista isn't pleasant for me or the patron. She updated it last night and now it's saying "Wireless adaptor? What wireless adaptor?"

peter burdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11128562549592810926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5391910.post-22008262133158568062007-08-13T12:03:00.001-07:002007-08-13T12:03:50.424-07:00

In the Morning:We start with a fire alarm, but it turns out to be nothing.There's no key for the bathroom needed, sir.They'll look up your barcode over there, ma'am. ... Well you got to have some kind of ID for them to do that.Who's cell is that?Lift up the top to make copies, ma'am.We don't have a computer class schedule yet, sorry.Another cell phone.Another patron with no ID who wants to use

peter burdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11128562549592810926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5391910.post-42330986864561037822007-08-03T15:58:00.001-07:002007-08-03T16:00:34.574-07:00

In the Afternoon:Four more hours and I get a two-day weekend!The man announces that he's made 400 copies in 6 days, thanks us, and leaves.No printer connection. Reboot.Bravo."Can I just leave these here while I use the bathroom?"It still won't print. We switch machines.The circ clerks are discussing the Potter book very quietly because they know I haven't finished it yet.Printer advice.I don't

peter burdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11128562549592810926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5391910.post-8972982361447881712007-07-28T07:38:00.001-07:002007-07-28T07:38:40.323-07:00

Five feet away a patron is telling a circ clerk how the Harry Potter book ends. Thanks, buddy.

peter burdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11128562549592810926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5391910.post-66760719906285894242007-07-26T15:18:00.000-07:002007-07-26T15:19:00.205-07:00

Late Afternoon:That's not a web address, ma'am, that's an email address. See the little @?The Big book in Spanish. And where are the meetings?CDL books.Shouting in the lobby.The Peloponnesian war, by Thucydides.Maybe I should Twitter this.Intermediate algebra."Where are the black author books?"

peter burdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11128562549592810926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5391910.post-8636349441219133512007-07-20T12:59:00.001-07:002007-07-20T12:59:29.768-07:00

In the Afternoon:All the soup kitchens along Rt. 80.Algebra books for dummies.Our network's been having problems for two weeks now, and I think it's about to crash again.Bethroom's over there.You need to wait in line to get your card into our system ... Yes, we have wireless ... Everywhere, ma'am.More computer resetting.Today's paper."Can you reset this computer""Can you reset it again?"Algebra

peter burdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11128562549592810926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5391910.post-78641661017148973022007-07-07T13:02:00.000-07:002007-07-07T13:09:55.460-07:00

More News from the Graphic Novel vs. Manga FrontA girl asks if we have any manga, taking the time to explain to me what that is. She wants fairly common stuff like Inuyasha and Full Metal Alchemist. I take her to the graphic novels, where the manga is mixed in by artist name.She stares at the superhero collections and "adult" GNs and asks "What are these?"

peter burdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11128562549592810926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5391910.post-43651050305597736632007-06-26T18:45:00.000-07:002007-06-26T18:54:49.747-07:00

In the Afternoon:,Child of darkness, by V. C. Andrews, and Blaze, by Richard Bachman.Bathroom's over there.He wastes four dollars at the printer and insists on a refund.A nine-page fax.Bathroom's over there.We don't have marriage records, kid.Bathroom's over there.The card reader won't read his card, but I know the magic trick to fix it.No, sorry, I don't speak Spanish.In the Evening:I extend a

peter burdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11128562549592810926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5391910.post-18012803240037742872007-06-08T14:40:00.000-07:002007-06-08T14:47:49.931-07:00

To People in GeneralIf a card reader rejects your card, it may not be the card's fault. You possibly inserted it the wrong way.I thought everyone knew this, but events of the past couple days have proven me wrong.

peter burdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11128562549592810926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5391910.post-56566071592017893142007-05-26T14:46:00.000-07:002007-05-26T14:55:46.435-07:00

Halfway Through the Afternoon on Memorial Day Weekend Saturday:I think I remember finding a book for a patron a half hour ago.I remember I handed out a pencil.Oh, I had to refill the toilet paper in the men's room because I was the only man around.The phone just rang! He wants Rocky Balboa.Librarian M has vanished.Don't run (I whisper)!Pen and Printer advice, within one minute. It's a rush!He

peter burdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11128562549592810926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5391910.post-40562208814896007902007-05-15T18:56:00.000-07:002007-05-15T19:00:19.918-07:00

In the Evening:The hug therapy book, by Kathleen Keating.Confucius and Zoraster.The kid is genuinely perplexed. Why can't he run?The computer reservation printer jams.Fax.Sorry, ma'am. June's computer class schedule isn't available yet. That girl has got to shut up ...Francesca's kitchen, by Peter Pezzelli.Can I help you? (click)I tell the girl's mother to shut the kid up.We're getting a whole

peter burdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11128562549592810926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5391910.post-21109145020459505622007-05-10T19:59:00.000-07:002007-05-10T20:02:13.211-07:00

Librarian K's last day here, with punch, cookies, handshakes, etc, was interrupted by his wife going into labor.No sense of timing.

peter burdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11128562549592810926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5391910.post-52318730403824319962007-05-01T16:27:00.000-07:002007-05-01T16:29:57.034-07:00

It's unnaturally quiet here tonight. I mentioned this to Librarian C, and she replied that it's "Prom Week."Huh? A whole week?"They take it seriously."Later:ME: It takes a whole week to get your dress fitted and your nails done?TEENAGE GIRL: Sometimes.

peter burdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11128562549592810926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5391910.post-82725024652695383152007-04-23T16:38:00.000-07:002007-04-23T16:39:17.923-07:00

In the Afternoon:Sigh, a few days off isn't enough.Saturday's paper.No cell phones, sir.Printer advice.No cell phones, sir.The copiers right over there, kid.The paper is returned completely messed up.If I'm going to notarize this I need your husband to come in so I can see him do it, ma'am.Catalog computers are over there, sir, where they've always been.The Godfather returns, by Mike

peter burdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11128562549592810926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5391910.post-40596891367988490482007-04-03T18:54:00.000-07:002007-04-03T18:55:08.622-07:00

In the Evening:Once again he calls asking for a handful of movies, but doesn't want us to place holds on them.It's six o'clock, sir.The "How to reserve a computer" lecture.DVDs are a dollar for three days, kid.Nursing exam guides.I proctor an exam.Computer controls for heating and cooling systems.Something's wrong with her Yahoo login, and it's apparently our fault.Tonight's computer class is in

peter burdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11128562549592810926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5391910.post-11417612609016215132007-03-23T13:01:00.000-07:002007-03-23T13:05:51.545-07:00

In the Morning:Strong women stay young, by Miriam E. Nelson. "Any Paula Abdul CDs?" Um, no. I'm kinda surprised by-- (click)How to get on our computers.Where did his ILL request go?How to get on our computers.That card's expired, ma'am.State tax form.DVDs on pregnancy.GED books.Another computer login.I can't help you play your songs on the computers, sir.Don't run!Please turn you headset down,

peter burdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11128562549592810926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5391910.post-3473629804346771012007-03-12T09:20:00.000-07:002007-03-12T09:24:13.759-07:00

Sigh, I was just looking up a drug interaction. I didn't really need to know all about her urinary tract infection and cyst on her leg.

peter burdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11128562549592810926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5391910.post-35444614877206431982007-03-06T18:53:00.000-08:002007-03-06T18:54:48.544-08:00

In the Evening:Scissors10 bad choices that ruin Black women's lives, by Grace Cornish.The scarlet and the black. Notarization.The printer ate his internet reservation slip.Yes, we ILL VHS tapes, sir.Tons of Young Lords Party books. "You got nothin' here." That's because they're mostly dissertations with only one copy in the US.Medical technology books.A couple of newspapers returned.How to

peter burdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11128562549592810926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5391910.post-40096027652131512712007-03-01T08:43:00.000-08:002007-03-01T08:49:45.274-08:00

Patron: You remember a couple months ago my mother had rheumatoid arthritis? And you found some books for me and you downloaded some things off the net, and they really really helped a lot.Me: Well, glad to hear it!Of course I have no idea who this man is.

peter burdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11128562549592810926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5391910.post-68993066340715649382007-02-14T21:18:00.000-08:002007-02-23T21:28:27.990-08:00

In the Afternoon:Today's paper.Four copies of the state 1040 form, and confusion with the copy machine.Computer class signup.Yeah, we'll print in color. A buck a page.They're too young. That's why they can't log on, sir.Books by Michael LedwidgeHe hands me a filled-out scholarship form, and I wonder why.More color printing, with two docs and messed-up page numbers he insists are okay.Today's

peter burdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11128562549592810926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5391910.post-23585918735756240032007-02-10T00:02:00.000-08:002007-02-10T00:51:28.999-08:00

GRYFor every librarian who has dealt with this question, and had to deal with confusion of an innocent patron who doesn't get it (because the whole thing is so STUPID!), I provide this link.Print it out and tell the patron to take it to whoever was smug enough to ask them in the first place (Scribble more red ink onto the blood in panel five if you can find the right pen). If it's their teacher,

peter burdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11128562549592810926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5391910.post-25588643456379087312007-02-05T10:42:00.000-08:002007-02-05T10:48:42.777-08:00

I would like to say ...I get such a warm, fuzzy feeling when I have eject a patron when the temperature outside is Zero.

peter burdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11128562549592810926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5391910.post-65079072099398280822007-01-23T16:43:00.000-08:002007-01-23T16:53:03.661-08:00

StupidityIt took all of ten minutes of fruitless catalog searching and head scratching before I realized that the woman's name is Coretta Scott King, not Loretta Scott King.Meanwhile young patron (who knew the proper spelling but was unaware that I didn't) blindly trusted my judgement and waited patiently while I wondered why the hell I wasn't getting any hits.

peter burdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11128562549592810926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5391910.post-17762305621314358792007-01-15T15:44:00.000-08:002007-01-15T15:45:25.440-08:00

In the Afternoon:Jodi Picoult books.How to get a library card.Fingerprinting."My bloody life," by Reymundo Sanchez (I'm sick and tired of finding new links to books I've mentioned thousands of times).(Forgive me. I'm grumpy for having to work all weekend and then having to come in today)Tuskegee airmen on VHS? Sorry.Librarian Y is weeding the philosophy books while laughing evilly."The movie '

peter burdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11128562549592810926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5391910.post-82789976038251689522006-12-26T18:51:00.000-08:002006-12-26T18:55:55.268-08:00

In the Evening:The margins on his Word document are screwed up. "I'm computer illiterate."New library card signup over there, sir."You know how to download MP3s off these computers? You don't have a son, do you?"I sign a guest into the Internet network."Are you allowed to download music on the computer?" (Different patron)Now she's confused about the music retrieval software she's trying to

peter burdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11128562549592810926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5391910.post-16140939654934559762006-12-21T15:08:00.000-08:002006-12-21T21:37:39.509-08:00

In the Late AfternoonSomeone returns the ruler.Don't run!The other side of midnight.Forgot your card? Check with circ. Those guys over there. ...Over there.Ranma 1/2 v.4.We're wondering when we're getting the spring college catalogs, too.Tax forms won't be out until January. Sorry.Daycare and plumbing.No toilet paper in the ladies room.No limit to the number of books you can check out,

peter burdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11128562549592810926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5391910.post-1165987464055522302006-12-12T21:02:00.000-08:002006-12-12T21:24:24.583-08:00

Teenage Girl: Anything new come in?Me: Just a couple things. Do you read Invincible?TG: What's that? Is that Tsu ... (gasps) Tsu ...Me: Yes, it's the newest...TG: (Big fangirly squeal) Thank you! Thank you! (Snatches latest volume of Tsubasa out of my hands and heads for the checkout desk.)This exchange nearly made up for the rest of the shift. Apologies to Robert Kirkman.

peter burdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11128562549592810926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5391910.post-1165873753683271822006-12-11T13:44:00.000-08:002006-12-11T13:49:14.206-08:00

Interesting Patron BehaviorWe now have a regular patron who goes to our scrap paper tray (where unwanted print jobs wind up) and rather than just grab a sheet or two, checks out what's printed on the other side. He selects some sheets but not others, and walks off ...

peter burdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11128562549592810926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5391910.post-1164767432902152342006-11-28T18:29:00.000-08:002006-11-30T22:27:23.556-08:00

Librarian K goes out to jump-start a patron's car. When he comes back we're not sure how to mark it on the tally sheet. Is it a reference question, or an information question?

peter burdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11128562549592810926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5391910.post-1164657535372574452006-11-27T11:57:00.000-08:002006-11-27T11:58:55.593-08:00

Father to young son:"Put that back. That's not a video, that's a book."Then he whipped out his cellphone.

peter burdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11128562549592810926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5391910.post-1163559301523633252006-11-14T18:54:00.000-08:002006-11-14T18:55:02.683-08:00

In the Evening:"Do I have to make a reservation for the computer?"Adoption for dummies.The reservation station is over there. No, over there ... No, there, where that other guy is.All right, we'll let you on the computer, but next time bring your card.I can't cancel your reservation. It timed out.The printer card slot is right by the print server, ma'am.We prepare to kick some kids off a

peter burdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11128562549592810926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5391910.post-1161993809776988792006-10-27T17:02:00.000-07:002006-10-27T17:03:30.043-07:00

In the Afternoon:Copier advice she didn't need.Sorry, ma'am. No scanner.Almost all the machines have cd drives, ma'am.Some city directories, then some more, which leads to my copier lecture.There's money already in the copier, but a lady claims it before I can pocket it.A Ray Bradbury horror VHS."My computer's trying to install something."ILL pickup.Pen.Another pen.Project management books on

peter burdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11128562549592810926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5391910.post-1161285543982629162006-10-19T12:11:00.000-07:002006-10-19T12:19:04.480-07:00

Sorry, I've been on vacation.In the Afternoon for an HourToo many fines. No Internet for you!But I override the next patron's login problem.Is our literacy program only for local residents?Another account that won't work.Today's paper.The fast and the furious: Tokyo drift.A fax.I mutter "shut up" under my breath at two people I hope are leaving soon.Color copies are a dollar, sir.He has a long

peter burdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11128562549592810926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5391910.post-1159219706731608682006-09-25T14:27:00.000-07:002006-09-25T14:28:27.320-07:00

In the Afternoon:"One's a paperback, the other's about the Holocaust."You get a library card over there, sir.They'll look up your card number over there, sir.Whether we should mail or fax a test we proctored.Internet signup with a guest pass.They'll tell you what's wrong with your account over there, ma'am.Where can she buy Microsoft Word?Internet guest pass.You can get a card over there, sir.You

peter burdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11128562549592810926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5391910.post-1158112482791866432006-09-12T18:44:00.000-07:002006-09-12T18:54:43.726-07:00

In the Evening:I come to the desk and immediately two patrons start running.Vols 2 and 3 of Gunslinger girl.No charge for music any more, sir (The man pumps his fists and heads for the CDs).Who played the Huey Long character in All the king's men? A circ clerk wants to know where her Interlibrary Loan is.Terrific thunder outside.How to put money on your debit card.The latest Guinness world

peter burdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11128562549592810926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5391910.post-1156977856659853612006-08-30T15:41:00.000-07:002006-08-30T15:44:24.973-07:00

In the AfternoonThe art of war, by Sun Tzu, The prince, by Machiavelli, and Behold a pale horse, by William Cooper. The diary of Anne Frank (Oh, this is ridiculous. Do I really need to put links on books like this and "The prince?" I don't think so! Everyone is aware of those books!).Landlord/tenant forms.They'll renew your card over there, kid.A newspaper is returned.Don't run!The Illinois

peter burdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11128562549592810926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5391910.post-1156272495769403902006-08-22T11:43:00.000-07:002006-08-22T17:17:24.410-07:00

Herb AlbertThe album he's looking for is Rise, by Herb Albert.Not Herb Alpert, the patron says. That's a completely different musician. He's certain.Later that DayOlder Man: I need to see today's local paper.Younger Man: So do I.Me: Good thing we have two copies. Here you go.Older Man: (Thumbing through the classifieds) Need to find someone to mow my lawn.Younger Man: You need someone to mow

peter burdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11128562549592810926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5391910.post-1155332428657357542006-08-11T14:26:00.000-07:002006-08-11T22:13:50.640-07:00

I kick a guy out of the library. He had been wandering around aimlessly for a full hour, stopping only to chat up women, who were trying to ignore him. I finally noticed him after Librarian J pointed him out. He talked to a young woman and walked away. I went up to her and asked her if she knew him. "No." Well, let us know if he's bothering you, I tell her. The woman on the computer beside

peter burdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11128562549592810926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5391910.post-1155218539409635712006-08-10T07:01:00.000-07:002006-08-10T07:02:19.960-07:00

In the Afternoon:State map.The executioner's song, by Norman Mailer.Fax number.Bathroom?Computer reservation issue."Is Librarian M there?"Angeles Y Demonios, by Dan Brown.She wants the fax number again. Bad cell phone connection.Printer advice.Notarization.Mary Mary, by James Patterson.I am ordered off the desk.I return an hour later.Contact information for Founders Insurance.No cell phones,

peter burdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11128562549592810926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5391910.post-1153779287907626642006-07-24T15:13:00.000-07:002006-07-24T15:15:16.476-07:00

In the Afternoon:You parked in the wrong parking garage, ma'am. We can't validate your ticket.Restrooms are over there, ma'am.Intense demographic information for a small town not near here. "It's in the 'Fact Book.'"How to get here. The voice over the phone is so loud you can hear it half a room away.Local immigration office.Why can't he get longer than a one-day loan period for this item?

peter burdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11128562549592810926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5391910.post-1152570208545443222006-07-10T15:22:00.000-07:002006-07-10T15:27:54.400-07:00

In the Afternoon:Bathroom's over there, ma'am.The mis-education of the Negro, by Carter Godwin Woodson.Ingles sin barreras.2002 high school yearbook.I explain the internet reservation system.Bathroom's over there, ma'am."Did An incovenient truth come from a book?""I have a lot of questions. I'll start with: Where's the bathroom?"The man returns. "I need books on divorce, music, and construction

peter burdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11128562549592810926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5391910.post-1151454016880702822006-06-27T17:13:00.000-07:002006-06-27T17:20:16.896-07:00

"Brent Ellis?" Hmm, sorry.(patron returns) "Eastern Ellis?"At which point I figure it out.Every small child who's come in tonight has spent at least part of their time crying loudly.

peter burdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11128562549592810926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5391910.post-1149818496443936122006-06-08T18:52:00.000-07:002006-06-08T19:01:36.456-07:00

Late in the Afternoon:I am now mysteriously subscribed to PC Magazine. Librarian Y and I try to figure out how.He locked himself off of his computer."Excuse me?" Can I help you? "... No, forget it." (wanders vaguely off)My jump drive saves a patron's document. I always feel smug when that happens.The green pharmacy and The green pharmacy herbal handbook, by James A. Duke.The river king, by

peter burdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11128562549592810926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5391910.post-1148592720498234292006-05-25T14:31:00.000-07:002006-05-25T14:32:00.510-07:00

In the Morning:Well, the books on race discrimition would be over there, and the books on sex discrimination would be over here-- "But I want a section with all of them. And a book by the five human rights by the Supreme Court. You think they wrote a book, a fun book like that, during recess?"And how do you explain that a patron's files were too large to attach to an MSN mail message, when he

peter burdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11128562549592810926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5391910.post-1147384460900915492006-05-11T14:50:00.000-07:002006-05-11T14:54:20.910-07:00

I have a patron on the phone, trying to find an obscure book. I'm telling him about ISBN numbers or somesuch when suddenly he shouts:"OH MY GOD!!!"(click)He hasn't called back.

peter burdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11128562549592810926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5391910.post-1147284051589742102006-05-10T10:59:00.000-07:002006-05-10T11:00:51.600-07:00

In the Morning:Librarian Y says "It's Wednesday, almost the weekend."Today's paper.The copier isn't taking coins.He wants to know when his father died.Computer guest pass.He wants to donate bone marrow.The life of Montezuma.I help cut and paste a resume.Essay examples.Printer won't print.Books by Sister Souljah.History of a local flag.No cell phones, ma'am.HR Block messed up her forms. Who to

peter burdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11128562549592810926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5391910.post-1146016739365961682006-04-25T18:55:00.000-07:002006-04-25T18:58:59.376-07:00

In the Evening:Bleach, vol. 4, by Tite Kubo.You get a new card over there, ma'am.The complete idiot's guide to buying and selling a home, by Shelley O'Hara and Nancy D. Lewis.How'd you get on that machine without a reservation?The print servers ate his print job.Her a: drive won't open her document.Jarhead and Aeon flux.Another eaten print job.I cancel a computer reservation.Star wars :Jango Fett

peter burdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11128562549592810926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5391910.post-1144806508630305562006-04-11T18:47:00.000-07:002006-04-11T18:48:28.640-07:00

Back from vacation ... I should have taken another week off ...In the Evening:"The librarian left at five, so I have to ask you." Huh?The number of counties in Illinois.You don't need a key to the bathroom, sir.Printer advice.I resist the urge to butt into Librarian R's reference interview.Ingles sin barreras.Can she send a pp file as an attachment when her computer can't handle pp?"Who wrote

peter burdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11128562549592810926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5391910.post-1143494015027401962006-03-27T13:12:00.000-08:002006-04-14T00:35:56.186-07:00

Oh OhSo I'm on desk, minding my own business, when Librarian K stops by."By the way, I like your blog," she says.Gulp, er, huh?"Your blog. (Another Library) told me about it."Er, it's supposed to be a secret, okay?"You have a blog?" asks Librarian Q.I should have guessed that someone would figure it out, and with the book coming out, people would learn anyway. Still, it's a bit of a shock. Has

peter burdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11128562549592810926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5391910.post-1142722806433091422006-03-18T14:58:00.000-08:002006-03-18T15:00:06.446-08:00

In the Afternoon:Do we have The prize winner of Defiance, Ohio?"Who is in it?""How do you spell 'Moore?'"He's worked hours on a project. Has he saved it? No.The bathroom's over there, ma'am.Harry Potter and the goblet of fire, by J. K. Rowling.Notarization.Whoops. He wanted the movie.Librarian M's daughter calls.(Sigh) Harry Potter and the blah blah blah blah.Jarhead.Hustle & flow.They'll sell

peter burdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11128562549592810926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5391910.post-1141795105992261982006-03-07T21:07:00.000-08:002006-03-07T21:20:28.353-08:00

Crooks have no taste in manga.Saturday I left work and found someone had busted a window and ransacked my car. The only thing I had there of any value was a satchel full of volumes of GTO (which Librarian B had lent me) and Azumanga Daioh (which I had lent him).The satchel was on the floor of the passenger side, knocked over but otherwise untouched. Obviously the crook has no taste for

peter burdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11128562549592810926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5391910.post-1140303563417479732006-02-18T14:48:00.000-08:002006-02-18T14:59:23.430-08:00

In the Morning:His computer won't print.We only keep back issues for a year, ma'am. (She leaves in a huff)He still can't print, and the airline website won't let him back on.You can't log in and leave your kid on the machine, sir.I hear all about the security guy's sinus condition.No cell phones, sir.Dead man walking, by Helen Prejean, on audiocassette.Printer advice.Today's paper.You can't go in

peter burdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11128562549592810926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5391910.post-1138937964718193042006-02-02T19:38:00.000-08:002006-02-02T19:39:24.730-08:00

In the Evening:I give a patron extra time on a computer.You have to feed the meters until nine, sir.FDRThey'll look up your card number over there, sir.Sorry sir, we don't sell GED books.No cell phones, please.They'll stamp your parking ticket over there, sir.Library R is so bored she's begun to sing.You don't need a key to the bathroom, ma'am.Can I help you? (click)How to put money on her

peter burdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11128562549592810926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5391910.post-1137117582922640602006-01-12T17:56:00.000-08:002006-01-12T17:59:42.933-08:00

After tonight's desk session I'm inclined to agree with this.Doing virtual reference while staffing the ref desk on a busy school night will stress anyone out. Grr ...

peter burdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11128562549592810926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5391910.post-1136343777124661142006-01-03T19:00:00.000-08:002006-01-03T19:02:57.136-08:00

Hrumph. Happy New Year.In the Evening:Love poetry and sex education.A security guy and I break down the NFL playoff picture.Carpal tunnel syndrome (different patron).Internet signup advice.Aaron Douglas, and deer, or maybe she'll chose coyotes instead.Computer workshop signup.Computer workshop signup.I go on a pencil sharpening run.A woman asks about getting a passport and then gives me a

peter burdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11128562549592810926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5391910.post-1134701789174881282005-12-15T18:49:00.000-08:002005-12-15T18:56:46.880-08:00

In the Afternoon:The adult woman says "I just got a kitty and I need books on kitties. Not cats. Kitties."That mother needs a lasso.Computer workshop signup.A book of old corns? ... Oh, coins!If these walls could talk.Kwanzaa and Hannukah videos.It gets way too busy.Lots of noise from a group of girls who wear the exact same shade of pink.In the Afternoon:Music careers.National treasure and

peter burdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11128562549592810926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5391910.post-1134172663390649442005-12-09T15:52:00.000-08:002005-12-09T15:57:43.403-08:00

In the Afternoon:A patron gives a circ clerk a lecture on the Dewey Decimal System.. The patron continues: "You got a basic idea what Johnson & Johnson do, don't you? Bandaids."Whiteout, a fax and Christmas programs.He comes back to check on a fax we sent this morning.Printer advice.Al Capone does my shirts, by Gennifer Choldenko.Don't run!The coldest winter ever, by Sister Souljah.No cell

peter burdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11128562549592810926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5391910.post-1133319640026112002005-11-29T19:00:00.000-08:002005-11-29T19:00:40.040-08:00

In the EveningNapoleon Dynamite.Constantine.Online GED classes.Two volumes of Ingles sin barreras."Cold enough for you?"Printer advice.Copier advice.Dictionary.They'll break a ten over there, sir.You renew cards over there, ma'am.Printer advice.Was that a duck I just heard?The machine ate her dollar, she says, though it's working for me and everyone else.Come to think of it, it is kind of cold in

peter burdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11128562549592810926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5391910.post-1131574992683301412005-11-09T14:22:00.000-08:002005-11-09T14:23:12.696-08:00

In the Morning:Tissue.He wants to get his credit report online, when he's never used a computer and can't read or write to boot.Effectiveness of torture (no relation to the previous patron).Two guys are here to fix the public printer.Wilson databases and a runaround.That man snorts every ten seconds.First aid for the USMLE Step 1.Keep it down, please.I refill a tape dispenser.Sorry, ma'am, I

peter burdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11128562549592810926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5391910.post-1130576674191530902005-10-29T02:02:00.000-07:002005-10-29T02:04:34.200-07:00

YesterdayAn old man in a Cubs jacket and cap: "I'm so sick of hearing about the White Sox."

peter burdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11128562549592810926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5391910.post-1130260043540251132005-10-25T10:06:00.000-07:002005-10-25T10:07:56.173-07:00

In the Morning:I come in late. The girls in their summer dresses, by Irwin Shaw.Polkas from Slovenia.A fax goes through after the fourth try.The computer class is at one, ma'am. Appointment in Samarra, by John O'hara.The circ staff argues over who gets lunch.Copier advice.Sorry ma'am, you need a card to use the internet machines.His first resume. I show him the books. Later, the

peter burdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11128562549592810926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5391910.post-1129864720502309412005-10-20T20:17:00.000-07:002005-10-20T20:18:40.506-07:00

The Other Day:"Did my book get returned? I told the guy to bring the book in yesterday. I even gave him five bucks. If he hasn't returned it I'm gonna kill him."

peter burdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11128562549592810926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5391910.post-1128032091265435352005-09-29T15:13:00.000-07:002005-09-29T15:14:51.273-07:00

In the Afternoon:1965 Chevrolet Impala repair manual.Article from National Geographic.CDs are a dollar to rent, sir.A live coal in the sea, by Madeleine L'Engle.Math in the kitchen, and how to read scales.Portland International Airport phone numbers.Librarian Y sneaks off the desk while muttering something.He doesn't know if he wants Stitch! The movie or Lilo and Stitch one or two or if there's

peter burdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11128562549592810926noreply@blogger.com