Stapled

[owlmoose]

It never ceases to amuse me that about three-quarters of the students who use the stapler at the circulation desk ask permission first. "Is it okay if I use the stapler?" "Can I borrow the stapler?" For things like the scissors, which are kept below the counter and out of sight, I can understand asking, but the stapler is right there. Why else would we have one?

I always say yes, of course, but so often I'm tempted to have fun with them. "No, I'm sorry, you can't use the stapler. I just put it there to taunt you." But we're approaching finals, and I suspect it might not go over too well...

Comments

[luciab.livejournal.com]

Yeah, being one of those people approaching finals, I don't recommend taking your life in your hands that way. Of course, they might just break down and cry, too. Ya just never know; it could easily go either way.

[oswulf.livejournal.com]

For us it's a struggle to get kids to ask before using the phone.

At the same time I'm terrible with the temporary numbers folks without library cards need to get onto the computers.

"I need a number"
"73"
"huh?"

"can I have a paper"
"sure, in the purple basket"
"no a paper for the computer"
"you can give it to the computer"

Stapler

[(Anonymous)]

You should put a sign next to it saying "official use only". Or swap it for a big red stapler...

[regann]

As a frazzled grad student with a paper due next week, I can tell you that, yes, I would kill you. ;)

[steluch.livejournal.com]

i think it's somewhat refreshing that so many kids ask...it seems like a courtesy thing...

[owlmoose.livejournal.com]

We actually talked about this in my reference class. I think they ask for the same reason that people will ask someone who is clearly an employee (wearing a uniform and/or a nametag, behind an information desk, etc.) "Do you work here?" It's a safe question, because the asker already knows the answer. It's a kind of opener, a way to test the waters. Much as I make fun ;) I do understand why someone might want to do that.