Winding Rivers Library System
      800 Main Street, La Crosse, WI  54601  608-789-7151

 

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ILL Quick Tip


There Are No Stupid Questions (although there may be stupid answers)
 by Charles Clemence 

Most weeks I find at least one situation where I have to correct a mistake or send something back to be corrected by the library. I see it in both ILL and delivery. The reason I bring this up isn't to complain. I don't mind helping out and I long ago lost track of all the mistakes I've made. The point is that often these are confusing situations which could have been cleared up with a short phone call or email. But the call wasn't made or message sent. I guess it's human nature to be reluctant to appear stupid or ignorant by asking a question. Most people think they should already know the answer even though usually there's no real reason they should. Or perhaps they are following Mark Twain's injunction : “Better to keep quiet and have everyone think you're a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt.”

The point is, it's my job to answer your questions and I like my job. The same goes for all the staff at WRLS. I often find myself answering the same questions over again from different people and I don't mind. I see it as job security. It bothers me more when the question isn't asked. So don't hesitate to do the asking.


 

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