[Publib] RE: Seemingly Strange Reference Questions

[Chris Albertson]

"Is the library open?"

For us this is not always as strange a question as it may seem...

Here's what often happens...our probationer/parole community service
"volunteers" who generally do pick up/clean up work before we open and
sometimes will not close one or more of the front doors when they are
out emptying ash trays, etc. and so despite the posted hours eager
patrons who ALWAYS try the door handles will wander in and either go
looking for books or ask for help....

I guess they should more correctly ask " Did you INTEND to be open at
this hour???!!!"

(Similar to when I myself call a store and not wanting to seem foolish
by asking "Are you open" and getting the reply "Of course, how do you
think I'm talking to you"...I ask instead: "What are your hours today")

Chris Albertson
City Librarian
Tyler Public Library 
Tyler, Texas