One of the things that always surprises, shocks, astounds, amazes me is the idea that the Internet allows you the access to find the answer to anything. Any information is out there to be absorbed as long as you have a basic knowledge of how to search Google. The answer to just about anything is there waiting to be plucked out of the air. The other astounding thing is the fact that people continually refuse to go that extra step to find out the solution.
The lack of curiosity on the part of the average person always surprises me. First, you will actually be learning something for yourself and becoming more self-reliant. Second, you do not have to wait around for someone else to help you. I am not sure if it is out of fear that people refuse to go and explore whether or not they can find an answer for themselves. I, for one, find it unbelievably satisfying to know that I solved a problem on my own. I also think that if you are to be successful with technology, this need to always be looking for an answer is absolutely crucial. Technology changes at the speed of light, so there comes a need to critically adapt to the changing technology. Let me also mention that finding answers will not always be easy. You will sometimes have to dig under several rocks to find your answer. Sometimes you will not find an answer that will completely fix your issue. People always think I am some brilliant computer whiz when it comes to issues that may arise, but truth be told, I just know how to do a Google search and can read at more than a 3rd grade level. You simply need to show patience and a good work ethic not to give up when looking for an answer. I take great pride in this and use it as a kind of game where I look upon it as a quest to not get any help. In contrast, I see all kinds of people more than capable of finding that elusive answer simply never taking the time. Perhaps this is a statement about our times where people want answers, solutions handed to them on a silver platter. I have got news for those folks. There is no easy button like in the Staples commercial. Perhaps even thinking about solving an issue makes a person's head spin too much. For me, I would hate to continually ask for someone else's assistance in such a helpless way. I just simply cannot fathom why so many people, patrons and staff alike, that refuse help themselves. Am I the exception that simply does not get it? Yet, despite these misgivings, it is our duty as librarians to help in such situations without rudely telling our patrons they are dumb. This should always be a primary concern. We do not want to ever come off as being seen as resentful of our very own patrons.
Now, staff that do not want to learn is an entirely different ball of wax. This is even more important because you work with these folks on a much more interpersonal level. First of all, be patient and never try to talk down to them. This is a fatal mistake where an imaginary hurt or slight can sometimes emerge. Never look upon these staff who are computer novices as anything less than your equal. Never assume any kind of knowledge, so always go slow when helping a staff member. If it is fairly obvious, they are not interested in learning, then do not push it upon them because it will only produce a confrontation. The best thing you can do is promote learning in every way possible by offering up new tips and tricks for beginners as much as possible. This does not have to be in a formal setting. You can walk up to a person in the hallway and say, "Hey, this is cool on Microsoft Word..." The techies need to understand that some of these staff members do not see some of these things Word or Publisher enough to become proficient in them. You cannot expect someone to see something once for an hour and then go out and be an expert in it. As a technology librarian, you must always stay positive and never let it get out ever that you have a certain level of frustration about helping. Stay upbeat and never let the frustration show because you do not want some unwarranted tension occurring during the staff Christmas party. I think the best way to look at this for staff and patrons is that you can lead a horse to water, but you cannot drink it for them.
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