Customer: I put a book on hold. Is it here?
Me: Did you receive a notice that it is in?
Customer: I don't want to answer any questions. Just tell me if my book is in.
Me: I need to know your last name.
Customer: [tells me last name]
Me, finding book: Please check that the last digits of your library card match these numbers.
Customer: How do I do that?
We stare at each other for a moment.
Me: Please show me your library card.
Customer: I don't have it with me. Can't you help me anyway?
Me: Yes, I can. But I will need to ask you some questions.
More staring.
Customer: OK.
I ask her the required questions and check out her book.
Now she appears to be embarrassed and over-thanks me.
Notice to library users: if you want information, we need to ask you questions!
2 comments:
How very odd. You were more patient than I probably would have been.
It was indeed odd. And a challenge!
Working in libraries has taught me a lot about being patient with wackos.
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