Friday, January 27, 2006
Dumb reference questions, On repeating stories about to friends
It is perfectly acceptable to repeat really dumb reference questions to friends, co-workers and family even if the person of whom you're making a mockery finds out about it. Mock the person by repeating the offending question in a silly childish voice and make outrageous facial gestures. This practice of repeating ridiculous questions should be considered a form of library instruction since it will yield generous rewards later when you notice a huge drop-off in asinine queries.
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8 comments:
This rule does not apply, however, to dumb questions from fellow librarians. One of the benefits of this profession is that neither uranium-level density nor vast ignorance will ever hurt your career.
What about if the really dumb reference questions come from your family and friends? What do you do then? To whom do you repeat these questions?
I used to think you guys were funny, but the wit has eroded to meanness.
Ciao
No, no, no.
You start a BLOG!
I have seen the error of my ways and pledge to never make fun of the “bread and butter” – at least if there are other patrons in earshot. Maybe there should be official library commandments: “Thou shalt not mock the patron.” Failure to comply means banishment to the stacks for shelf reading duty.
Admittedly I have been dumbfounded by some reference questions. A particular bit of Hell is wading through online reference inquiries – “How do I become a virgin again?”, “What is the fastest way to hypnotize girls so that they will sleep with me?”, “Where do you keep the “adult” videos?”, etc. All bunk, but answered nonetheless. Still it is proof that there is such a thing as a dumb question; those I can justifiably mock.
Come on, you in the profession know the majority are too good to not pass along. You just have to change it enough that it's not traceable back to you. Either that, or learn from your presidents: "I can't recall."
Sadly my dumbest reference question actually came from an ex-coworker. She turned to me one day and said 'Should this book on Ancient Egypt be in fiction or non fiction?'
Sadly my dumbest reference question actually came from an ex-coworker. She turned to me one day and said 'Should this book on Ancient Egypt be in fiction or non fiction?'
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