Sometimes it's hard to adjust yourself mentally to the people I like to call Estranged Patrons. That not so rare breed who haven't been in a library since "like ever" and haven't even the most basic library skills. For instance the Estranged Patron doen't know the difference between fiction and non-fiction or how to use an index. Let's not speak of a table of contents, it's just too painful.
Today I had a patron come up to me and ask me for help with the catalog computer.
" I don't know what this "M" means." she says. I studied the entry on the catalog computer and informed her that the "M" stands for mystery and that title was a mystery book. Her reply was "What's a mystery?" Trying to mentally adjust myself to her way of thinking and ultimately failing I said "No that means it's a mystery book." Her blank look prompted me to add - "You know a mystery book? Like Agatha Christie?" I notice still no dawning of knowlege in her eyes, so I continue on..."For instance a murder mystery or detective stories?" Her blank look continued. Then just when I think the knowlege of light has taken hold she said Ohhh so that means it's Science Fiction! Aren't those true books?
OMG.
Civilization is Doomed.
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