...You've known from the start of term when this assignment is due. We understand that this paper is a bore. We also understand that the Prof is a slave-driver. Hey, have a heart. Your procrastination is not an emergency for us.
We are not your College Library. We are not the Public Library system. We are a Museum Library that can provide exceptional service. We can do that only if you give us the time and the information to get what you need. We cannot provide optimum service if all of you decide to hit us at the same time. Here are some things you can do to help us better serve you:
1) Make an appointment. There are only 2 people at the Reference desk at any given time. A Wednesday afternoon crush of 20 students isn't going to get anyone the best service.
2) Do your homework before you come here. It isn't helpful when you come to the Ref. Desk and proclaim that you want information about "Egypt", "The Yoruba" or "China". The last makes us wonder if you are interested in the country, dinner service or any combination of the above. Please, if you can, show us the assignment.
3) Use the catalog. It's right behind you on the public computers. We know you know how to use a computer. You've been trying to access your Email, MySpace or the deity knows what for the last 20 minutes and bunging the thing up for other people who really want to do research.
4) We realise and respect that the espousal of new beliefs may lead to a change of name. That's a tradition that goes back thousands of years and it is done in many cultures. However, if the name on your photo ID is 'Claire Jones', don't present yourself as 'Ma'at As't Neteru'.
5) You can do your research standing at the Ref Desk but it really isn't a good idea when there is a line of people waiting to actually get books and sit down in the Reading Room to work. Yes, take all the time you need to make your notes and decide what photocopies you need. Spread your elbows wide. Take up a lot of space. No one else needs any room at the Ref Desk, do they?
The kicker of the day came from a young man who showed up at 4 PM. He knew what he wanted and I got it for him. He seemed very happy with his material until I told him that the Library was closing in 15 minutes. "Ooh, you close?"
Well, yes we do close and we're doing so in 15 minutes. [As an alternative, we'll be open 24/7 and grab what sleep we can on unused shelves in the stacks].
We are not your College Library. We are not the Public Library system. We are a Museum Library that can provide exceptional service. We can do that only if you give us the time and the information to get what you need. We cannot provide optimum service if all of you decide to hit us at the same time. Here are some things you can do to help us better serve you:
1) Make an appointment. There are only 2 people at the Reference desk at any given time. A Wednesday afternoon crush of 20 students isn't going to get anyone the best service.
2) Do your homework before you come here. It isn't helpful when you come to the Ref. Desk and proclaim that you want information about "Egypt", "The Yoruba" or "China". The last makes us wonder if you are interested in the country, dinner service or any combination of the above. Please, if you can, show us the assignment.
3) Use the catalog. It's right behind you on the public computers. We know you know how to use a computer. You've been trying to access your Email, MySpace or the deity knows what for the last 20 minutes and bunging the thing up for other people who really want to do research.
4) We realise and respect that the espousal of new beliefs may lead to a change of name. That's a tradition that goes back thousands of years and it is done in many cultures. However, if the name on your photo ID is 'Claire Jones', don't present yourself as 'Ma'at As't Neteru'.
5) You can do your research standing at the Ref Desk but it really isn't a good idea when there is a line of people waiting to actually get books and sit down in the Reading Room to work. Yes, take all the time you need to make your notes and decide what photocopies you need. Spread your elbows wide. Take up a lot of space. No one else needs any room at the Ref Desk, do they?
The kicker of the day came from a young man who showed up at 4 PM. He knew what he wanted and I got it for him. He seemed very happy with his material until I told him that the Library was closing in 15 minutes. "Ooh, you close?"
Well, yes we do close and we're doing so in 15 minutes. [As an alternative, we'll be open 24/7 and grab what sleep we can on unused shelves in the stacks].
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