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

[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.