Comments on: Reference Question of the Week

By: Kate

Kate — Tue, 14 Nov 2006 21:10:45 +0000

We can get away with more library-patron fraternizing at an academic library? Really? Damn! They didn’t tell me that in library school.

And geez, you are really hooked on that Babes with Books blog.

I think I prefer Liz’s original definition of “pr0n”: “Girls in buns and glasses, guys holding big stacks of books, people being punished for reshelving their own materials and not conforming to the dewey decimal system?” Of course, in my case it would be Library of Congress…

By: Liz

Liz — Mon, 13 Nov 2006 17:30:11 +0000

I think this is my favorite definition: “The slang used by underage ubernerds to avoid the embarrising circumstance of their mother walking in to find her son downloading files apon [sic] files of the material on kazaa.” See, we learn something new from you everyday. You are so wise. You’re like a miniature buddha, covered in hair.

Dorothy Mantooth is a saint,

Liz

By: herzogbr

herzogbr — Mon, 13 Nov 2006 03:33:29 +0000

pr0n: see pr0n: see also And just because this thread has already sunk lower than it should have, I'll throw this in, too: it has always cracked me up that public libraries have "adult" sections. Every time I see a library's "Adult Books" or "Adult Movies" sign, I have to laugh. Juvenile, I know, but there you go.

By: Liz

Liz — Sun, 12 Nov 2006 07:23:54 +0000

Yes, yes, I can hardly get my feet under my desk, what with all the men and the stacks of “dirty” materials. In fact, I suggest pre-booking–don’t leave sensitive materials in the hands of the unexperienced, put them under the desk of a pro! Reserve your space now, especially with the busy holiday season approaching. You don’t want your parents accidentally stumbling across your vast collection of “pr0n.” What is pr0n anyway–some kind of librarian adult material? Girls in buns and glasses, guys holding big stacks of books, people being punished for reshelving their own materials and not conforming to the dewey decimal system?

By: herzogbr

herzogbr — Fri, 10 Nov 2006 18:55:02 +0000

“Offer other services”? Sigh. I know you can get away with a lot more librarian-patron “fraternizing” in an academic library, but such a thing, believe it or not, is kind of frowned upon in the happy world of town-funded, storytime public libraries. I guess if I want pr0n, I’ll have to get it the old-fashioned way: under Liz’s desk.

By: Kate

Kate — Fri, 10 Nov 2006 13:30:18 +0000

So offer to hide his “dirty” movies “on your own” and not as a librarian. Make it clear that you will be taking them home with you, not storing them at the library. Offer to meet him out behind the library on your break to avoid the library service desk problem. Have him help you load them into your vehicle. Offer other services.

Clearly, I see the beginning of a new “friendship” here, as well as a way to expand your personal “dirty” movie collection…

To Liz – Are you in the habit of regularly men under your desk? You sound as though you have some experience.

By: Liz

Liz — Thu, 02 Nov 2006 17:07:40 +0000

Oh man, that does not sound good.

I meant to say, I will _shelter_ your significant other away from your other significant other in a completely platonic, fraternal, non-sexual way.

That’s much better phrasing. Especially in the context of a “gateway favor.”

By: Liz

Liz — Thu, 02 Nov 2006 17:05:50 +0000

Sure, hide behind the _policy_. It’s not your fault, it’s The Man’s. All I know is, if a girl came to my (imaginary) office and said “Quick, my parents are coming–can I stash my adult-themed materials?” or “Quick, my husband is coming–can you hide Pedro?”, I would stash them under my desk. Especially Pedro. In fact, I say to women of the world: bring me your hot international boyfriend, and I will find a place for him under my desk.

By: herzogbr

herzogbr — Thu, 02 Nov 2006 15:22:43 +0000

Alright guys… our library policy dictates that staff cannot show favoritism amongst patrons, nor do special favors for them. If one staff person does something for a patron, then it is expected that all staff must provide that same service.

And this isn’t just limited to dirty movies. It includes loaning people money, giving people rides, buying/selling items (like cookies or handmade jewelry), etc.

We decided that we cannot prevent staff from doing these things on their own, but if they chose to do something like this for a patron, they must make it clear to the patron that they are doing it on their own, and not as a part of the library. Also, such dealings cannot be conducted at a public service desk – they have to do it on break or somewhere in the library away from a desk.

I guess this sounds dumb when I type it all out, but it was actually a problem at my library (especially with this patron). Once he learned that one or two staff people would regularly give him money, he would then come back repeatedly, going right down the line asking every staff member at every desk for money and favors – which made many people uncomfortable. Especially when he got angry when people said no.

So, even though dirty movies sounds innocent, they are just the “gateway favor” that can lead to far more uncomfortable situations.

By: Liz

Liz — Thu, 02 Nov 2006 06:20:55 +0000

I know Kate–what happened to male bonding and fellowship and “bros before hos” and all that? Surely it includes hiding the dirty movies of another guy, even if it is at one’s workplace?

If he’s still interested in Wishbone, maybe he can channel him through his Ouija board…