kickboxing librarianship

…

Skinhead heading toward the Reference Desk! Bomber jacket, band T-shirt with some kind of crucifix image, combat boots. As he approaches, my shoulders tense. But he leans on the desk with both elbows and is polite and easygoing. Naturally I learned years ago that you can’t always rely upon appearances, but there are reasons for caution. Half an hour later I notice that he’s watching what looks like a documentary about the Occupy movement or similar social movements on a computer.

This morning’s patrons bring to mind the Specials song, Do the Dog:

All you punks and all you Teds

National Front and natty Dreads

Mods, rockers, hippies, and

skin ‘eads

keep on fighting ‘til you’re dead.

…

...and she’s back, searching for a textbook. This work, not my kitchen table, so I spare her a lecture. I am polite to her as though she hadn’t snarled at me earlier, and provide a mini-lesson in using the library catalog. Unfortunately, all copies of the book at all campuses are either checked out or in transit. “I’ll check to see if there is an e-book version,” I say upon seeing her disappointment. No e-book.  

“Well, I need the book to do my homework, because it’s due today at 4:00. So there aren’t any copies here at all?”

I confirm the bad news, and she returns her attention to her smartphone. “Oh, well. Thank you.”

…

Woman who prefers to use the the disability access computer stations is back (she’s not disabled). Occasionally she expresses her disapproval of library policies and resources. I’m not trying to cast her as a villain, but I had an odd interaction with her last quarter.

(a loudspeaker announcement informs patrons that the library will close in 15 minutes.)

Woman : “What is this? When does the library close?”

Me: “At 4:00 today. If you need to print, there’s still time before all of the computers automatically shut down.”

Woman: “Well this isn’t going to work. Is this new? Since when does the library close at 4:00 on Fridays?”

Me: “For about the past four years, ma’am. The hours are posted on the library website and the front door.”

Woman: “This is a problem. I still need to use the computer.”

Me: “The campus computer lab is open until 9:00 p.m.”

Woman: (sighing heavily) “Fine. I’ll go to the computer lab.”

…

Spring student style:

• enormous black sequin-covered handbag

• long skirt and lacy Mexican-style blouse in two complementing shades of red - very original look, I liked it

• Black outfit with hot pink sneakers

• Hooded sweatshirts and jeans, jeans, jeans. Spring is the time to work hard as graduation approaches, and fashion no longer matters. Folks are trying to finish degrees and move on to jobs or further higher education. Deadlines loom. Already an air of seriousness hovers over the library.

…

Did a cold boot on a computer because someone didn't log out, and the computer locked and seemingly froze. It’s mighty risky to use a computer in a public place and leave without logging out, but it happens very frequently.

…

Hey! Don’t run inside the library, no matter how quickly you need to snatch that paper from the printer! People are already bumping into each other when they’re just walking.

…

Long phone call from someone who had an interlibrary loan request for copy of the same textbook sought by Hourglass Woman. EVERYONE needs to do the homework today and NO ONE has access to the textbook except the people who checked out all 3 copies earlier. Sadly the book is not here and the homework is due at 4:00 p.m. Not sure when van with book will actually arrive. I empathize with not being able to buy a full set of expensive textbooks. Not being able to help is frustrating.

...

Hermes sends a cryptic email saying that he won’t be in today, obviously feeling the pressure as well: “A lot has been happening with me lately.” Oh, dear. I hope that some of it’s good. I also hope that it doesn’t involve any strife with the latest lady he’s romancing. From what I know so far, Hermes’ approach to courtship seems to combine intellectual flattery, cozy affection, heavy metal concerts, outdoor swimming, showing up with books in hand to jump-start conversation, eye winks framed by a pierced eyebrow, and disarming smiles set off by a lip ring. Apparently this particular alchemy works, because nearly every time we chat for more than 30 seconds he mentions someone receiving his devoted attention. The cast of someones does change a bit too quickly for me to keep up, but I try to say encouraging things and tell him that it’s good that he tries to be considerate of the latest lady in rotation. Maybe it would all make a good opera or musical -- of course it should have a happy ending.