Customer Service 101 for 123 in #6

Who couldn't use a refresher course in customer service? As as book, my customer service revolves around twisting plot lines, well written characters and a satisfying ending. It might shock you to know that I have all three. As a human who deals with other humans I would guess that good customer service starts with anticipating the needs of your customer. The tutorial I just read was a great reminder of why we strive to provide great customer service.

Red Dye #5

Placing books on hold can be a tricky operation for a library novice. Fortunately, I have some experience with the inner workings of a well run library. You might have guessed my title at this point... Maybe if I share a few of the accolades I have received:

• A "Hot List" pick
• Best Book of the Decade...So Far
• Editor's Choice
• Top Ten Books for Reluctant Readers

I can tell you are impressed. Before you blurt out an answer, I'll tell you that my title does not rhyme with "The Drapes of Plath".

Anyway, I rather enjoy the book bag feature. I can see that being a big help to patrons who are pressed for time. I gotta go. See you at #6.

Facebook!?!? In MY Library?

It happens more often than you think. I actually had to shut down my Facebook page due to the enormous amount of friend requests that I was receiving. I have so little time as it is that I can't be distracted by the soothing glow of social networking. I mean, I COULD keep tabs on certain buddies of mine, and I SHOULD keep in touch with all of my book friends. However, the ease of use and convenience will not tempt me. You see, I've been getting the feeling that someone around here wants me to disappear. I have a few leads, so I'll write more when I have information to share.

Facebook... What's that? You want to know my status? But I just told you two minutes agooooo...

Pop Quiz...

So, after my little adventure I was surprised to find out that I was VERY far behind in my Webolution duties. I discreetly "mis-shelved" myself to have some quiet time, and set to my task. I needed to get up to speed. I needed to get my priorities right. I needed to do a Website Scavenger Hunt. You should have seen me scavenging - I was like some wild animal from the Serengeti. When all of my scavenging was complete I looked down and realized that I had finished the hunt. As a bonus, I had learned something about the library. However, certain elements within the library have lead me to believe that I might have learned too much...

FREEDOM!!!

I finally escaped from my mobile prison. Apparently, my temporary owner forgot that I was in his possession. Fortunately, someone was kind enough to send him a few letters to remind him that I was missing in action. I was surprised to find out that I was worth $17.00. I think we can all agree that the information and memories contained in all books fall under the "priceless" category. I'm not sure how a library would apply that kind of fine. The patrons are probably thankful that a lost book does not equal eternal debt.

On a more relevant subject, now that I have access to the library again I can continue my quest of education and knowledge. Wish me luck, dear readers, you have no idea how hard it is to type with no hands or fingers.

Internet Radio

Good news! I've recently discovered that I can stream music to my cell phone via a program called Pandora. As you can imagine, this will ease the boredom of being locked in a car. Aside from the music, the best thing about Pandora is that it is free. I have heard of people using the internet to steal music. This is a great, legal alternative to that unscrupulous practice.

I think I hear someone coming, so I'm going to turn my phone off. Wish me luck - my battery is running low.

Hanging Out

Recently, I've been hanging out under the front seat of someone's car. We drive all over town together. Unfortunately, no one seems to be paying too much attention to me. It has been a couple of days since I left the library and I'm worried that I have been forgotten. Maybe this lucky patron just likes their books to be good and warm before they read them. More updates on the way.

The best patron

I was once checked out by the nicest woman. She treated me with the respect and care I think all books deserve. She used a book mark to keep track of her place instead of dog-earring my pages. Actually, she used the due date receipt so that it reminded her of my return date. She also kept me away from liquids and drippy food. I was never used as a hot pad, stepping stool, door prop, bug swatter, or flower press. It made my spine tingle to know that someone cared about the state of my well-being. After two weeks, she returned me to the library where I awaited the next lucky patron who would enjoy my thought provoking innards.

Where to begin?

For the sake of anonymity, I will not be revealing my title. I know how frustrating it can be to wait and wait for a particular book just because someone happened to mention it on Oprah or some such. Having said that, I am a huge advocate of anything/anyone that gets people to read.

I never claimed to be the smartest book (I'll leave that to the 100's), just a popular book.