For those of you who don't know, I used to work in a public library's IT department. This particular library was particularly forward-thinking when it came to technology, and was one of the first public libraries on the internet, offering internet access back when cable and DSL weren't even options for most people. This library had internet-capable machines at every location. Needless to say, they were constantly in use, and an out-of-order computer was generally a major crisis.
One morning I was out at our newest branch performing a routine upgrade to the computers. This particular upgrade was fairly significant, because it included major updates to web browsers and other software that people were demanding. And the way the old Mac OS used to work, these upgrades were very simple, and I could do several machines at once. So I put the entire block of computers out of order (much easier this way) and begin updating the computers. They all have Out of Order signs taped to the screens.
So the first upgrades are happily underway when a SC (a well-dressed man, probably in his 30s or 40s) walks in and heads straight for the computers. He notices they're out of order, so he promptly flips up the sign and begins using it.
Me> Sir, those computers are out of order for an upgrade. I'll have these done in maybe 5 minutes, if you could please wait.
SC> *cat-butt face* I want to use this computer now. I'm a library patron, so I can use it.
Me> Sir, I'm upgrading these computers, I have to ask you to wait until I'm finished. It will only be about 5 minutes or so.
SC> I don't want to! I'm going to use this computer now.
At that point, the librarian on duty came out and informed the patron that he would have to wait until I was finished or his internet privileges would be revoked. I don't remember if he stormed out or if he actually waited around till I was finished. The sad thing is I know he wasn't nearly the crappiest patron when it came to internet computer (ab)use. I just didn't have to deal with the worst of them.
One morning I was out at our newest branch performing a routine upgrade to the computers. This particular upgrade was fairly significant, because it included major updates to web browsers and other software that people were demanding. And the way the old Mac OS used to work, these upgrades were very simple, and I could do several machines at once. So I put the entire block of computers out of order (much easier this way) and begin updating the computers. They all have Out of Order signs taped to the screens.
So the first upgrades are happily underway when a SC (a well-dressed man, probably in his 30s or 40s) walks in and heads straight for the computers. He notices they're out of order, so he promptly flips up the sign and begins using it.
Me> Sir, those computers are out of order for an upgrade. I'll have these done in maybe 5 minutes, if you could please wait.
SC> *cat-butt face* I want to use this computer now. I'm a library patron, so I can use it.
Me> Sir, I'm upgrading these computers, I have to ask you to wait until I'm finished. It will only be about 5 minutes or so.
SC> I don't want to! I'm going to use this computer now.
At that point, the librarian on duty came out and informed the patron that he would have to wait until I was finished or his internet privileges would be revoked. I don't remember if he stormed out or if he actually waited around till I was finished. The sad thing is I know he wasn't nearly the crappiest patron when it came to internet computer (ab)use. I just didn't have to deal with the worst of them.
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