Some things don't change....

A patron will come in and ask for a computer. They pull out their library card and go to a computer, type in their information to log on and....

*Error. You cannot log onto this computer at this time.*

We see a irate patron come stomping towards us. One of us behind the desk quickly appears busy, the other gets the fortune of assisting this potentially dangerous situation.

Surprisingly, there are usually two-three reasons for the error.

1. Account is blocked. Usually this means that the patron owes over $10 in fees. Most take this well, while others aren't too happy.

2. Privilege expired. Believe it or not, library cards in San Bernardino County have a three-year life span. If your card isn't renewed after the expiration date, you run the risk of having your account dropped.

3. The computer hates them. I'm serious. Most of the time, we will not find a reason for the person's inability to log in. This is when we get to smile and say, "I'm sorry, please go see the folks at the other desk. I can't help you."

There are other reasons for log in lockout. However, these are the top three that I can recall off the top of my head.

Does anyone else experience "problem persons" at their workplace?

My how time goes by

It has been awhile since I last posted in July. Considering that when I last posted, my mac was in the shop for a lobotomy.

Halloween is here and with it comes the sights and smells (and scary-ness) of the coming holidays. Fortunately for me, I have started my shopping and am only missing two gifts for my immediate family.

This time of year is also big for me, due to my allergies. It's not easy to sit down and enjoy the Thanksgiving feast when you can't eat the stuffing, potatoes, gravy, rolls and desserts. This year, I am fighting back by searching long and hard for gluten-free alternatives. Fortunately, I don't like stuffing and I don't miss it. What hurts the most is watching my family devour dozens of crescent rolls smothered in butter and homemade pomegranate jelly. It has been at least 10 years since I enjoyed those delightful rolls and I made up my mind to no longer feel sorry for myself and make my own rolls.

I am also sitting down and searching for sugar cookie recipes (gf of course!). Our church is doing a Harvest Festival and due to the growing number of children with food allergies, I decided to make a dozen or so, just in case :)

Now if you'll excuse me, I need to turn the oven on.

Ack and Alas

What do you get when you remove a laptop from the possession of a twenty-something librarian? Miserable me.
My laptop, my dependable Mac, failed me. I left it on while I went to work and when I got home, I went to turn it on.
Me: *rubs touchpad mouse*
Mac: *nothing*
Me: *frowns and rubs harder*
Mac: *nothing*
Me: *still frowning, presses the power button. Waits.*
Mac: *still nothing*
By now, I'm becoming rather frustrated with my computer and press and hold the power button to shut it off. A hard boot so to speak.
I wait and press the button again to turn it on. I hear the hard drive whir to life and wait for the monitor to turn on.
Mac: *nothing*

My next thought was:
Crud, the video card died!

I commandeer Erin's laptop and begin searching Apple's website for answers. Nothing.
After ranting for a moment, I find the "ask for help" button. Of course, the Pacific coast Support desk was closed by this time. I compile a assistance request and send it in. I am to receive a phone call from the Support Desk the next day.

Next day:
The call comes and we go through the issues.
Battery out, turn on.
Nothing
Unplug, turn on.
Nothing
Press a series of keys after turning on
Beep
...
...
...
Nothing

I'm told the words I was dreading:
"I'm sorry, you're going to have to send it to a Apple store for repairs."

Apple Store?

The closest Apple store to where I live is down the hill at the Victoria Gardens Mall. An hour away... The next appointment to see the repair desk?

Two days later...

"Well, we have to send it in. The logic board needs replacing. Maybe more."

Thank God for 3-year warranties.

Wait, what is a Logic Board you ask?
To you Windows folk, it is the Motherboard. The most expensive device in the entire laptop. How expensive?
Let's just say that parts and labor have more than two 0's.

Now, I am waiting for the work to be done and my computer returned to me. How long? It depends on the parts that have gone south. If it's just the logic board, maybe next week. More than that, probably week after that.

Until then, I am stuck with the family PC. I somehow will cope.

T-minus....

So I lie here typing, realizing that tomorrow I work during the Young Adult's Summer Program. Yuck.
The worst days that we are having there every week are on Tuesday mornings. This last tuesday, we had over 500 people come into the library in the first 2 HOURS!!! We had only 2 showings and 120 seats each showing. By the time the first show started, we had ALL the tickets handed out for BOTH showings... and there were still people coming in to try and get in.

Yipes!

Question:
What does one do about a stalker at work?

A. Ignore the dude.
B. Report him to the Authorities.
C. Tell him to get lost and then throw mud on him.
D. Let your boss deal with it.

Well, I pick D and A. My boss has issued a warning to the guy after I told him I'm not interested in his pursute of me. The dude still doesn't get it. I can't do anything now unless he steps it up.

Why can't I simply throw him over my shoulder and hold him down until the Police arrive? Why is it too hard to feel safe at work? I don't know....

Any ideas?

Opening Titles

Greetings citizens,

Yes, yes I know. Not the usual opening for a blog. Don't worry, I'll get it figured out eventually.

So I've gone and titled this a Library blog; fine, but it's not going to be just about my experiences at work, but life experiences as well :)

Okay with that? Cool, cuz until I get an awesome job, this is all that's coming!

Until I have something wierd occur,

Becky