Et cetera, et cetera, et cetera!

One of the most interesting aspects of my job is the so-called "reference interview." When people come to me with a question I have this small window to make sure that I understand exactly what they're looking for. The way I do this is by asking questions of my own--questions which are meant to narrow down the focus of their inquiry. I try to make it quick and simple so that I don't overwhelm them or make them sorry that they walked up to my desk to be grilled.

Only here's the thing, and it happens all the time. People don't want to answer my questions! They get all cagey and try to be as vague as possible about what they're looking for. As though I'm the one who tracked them down and started trying to pry all their secrets.

It reminds me of the bit on The King and I where the hot king Yul Brynner has a problem, but can't ask a woman for advice. So when Anna asks how he's going to solve this problem, he gets this crafty look on his face and announces, "You guess," thereby saving face when he claims her suggestion as his own already-decided-upon solution.

Yeah. This only worked because it was Yul.

I mean, look at him. That guy could pretty much get away with anything.


Your average person? Not Yul. I can just imagine people trying that someplace like a doctor's office. "So, what seems to be the trouble today?" "You guess." That'll go well. Kind of like how well it goes when they try it with me.

And I promise I'm not out to embarass anyone or invade their privacy. I'm not going to sit there and be like, "Yeah, but are you the one experiencing the burning and itching on your private parts? It's imperative that I know this." But yes, if you are looking for a street map of a very specific intersection in a very specific town and state, then it might be helpful to tell me some of that rather than repeating, "Street maps. I just need street maps." over and over again. That might get us there faster and keep me from ripping my own ears off.

Just a thought.

Posted in: library gossip