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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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