Post by Callimpsest on Dec 8, 2003 11:09:44 GMT -5
[The sound of a lock fumbling; the door opens.]
Oh. How long have you been waiting there? Well, no matter, come on in.
Welcome to the library. The, er, 'something' library - it doesn't have a name yet. I do. I have several in fact. But for these library-keeping purposes, I am called Callimpsest.
No great surprise: the library has books. And they are most definitely for reading. I did hear reports of a toilet paper shortage in Cuba in 1994, where the desperate locals raided the libraries... it, it doesn't bear thinking about. Oh, but we also have a CD and video section, to which you are welcome to contribute from your own caches. Library cards will be delivered to your dormitories or offices. You can't borrow any items without one.
Well now, you must be itching to know the library rules, so here are a few for now.
Without wishing to patronise you, this a library; a house for books, and not a cafeteria, dormitory, playground, pets' creche, or dance floor. I hope that's clear.
Having said that, there is no rule against noise as such. You should be quiet whilst using the library, but there's no need for crushing silence. Silent reading was unheard of (no pun intended) in ancient libraries, because so many ancient societies had educational systems based on oratory; a low level of chatter is part of the learning process. If another user asks you to be a little less loud, you must oblige. There will also be a jar of earbugs at the issue desk for users to take if they do wish to work in silence.
If you are unwell, and especially if you have a persistent cough, please refrain from visiting until you are better. Coughing belongs in a sound-proof sanitorium, or maybe a popular television game show, but not in a library. It spreads distraction and infection, and is quite, quite counter-productive. In such an instance, you may give your library card to a colleague, and send them on library errands for you.
Staff and students, if they wish to study outside the library, may borrow as many books as they wish for as long as they wish - that is the current rule. But if another user requires a book which you have on loan, you will be sent a recall message and must return the book promptly. To borrow an item, bring it, along with your card, to me at the issue desk. Many books are, I'm afraid, reference only.
Opening hours are: whenever the door is open. By which I mean, THE door. If the library does have any alternative, secret entrances, then presently they are just that - secret.
Now, the books. Treat a book as a lady or gentleman would treat a companion: handle it with care and respect; listen to it, appreciate it; return it safely home. Failure to put books back in the right place will not be tolerated. If you wish to consult a scroll or parchment, let me know.
If necessary, and providing the permissions give... I mean, the Heads give permission, a threefold security system will be installed. This will prevent visitors from leaving if: (I) they haven't put items back in their places; (II) they are trying to remove an item which hasn't been properly checked out; (III) they haven't learnt something while in the library.
I hope your experiences in the library are... interesting, and enjoyable. You may contact me with any questions or requests. I may possibly decide to hire a library assistant at some point, and you may register your interest for such a post, if you wish. Thank you for listening.
- Callimpsest
Oh. How long have you been waiting there? Well, no matter, come on in.
Welcome to the library. The, er, 'something' library - it doesn't have a name yet. I do. I have several in fact. But for these library-keeping purposes, I am called Callimpsest.
No great surprise: the library has books. And they are most definitely for reading. I did hear reports of a toilet paper shortage in Cuba in 1994, where the desperate locals raided the libraries... it, it doesn't bear thinking about. Oh, but we also have a CD and video section, to which you are welcome to contribute from your own caches. Library cards will be delivered to your dormitories or offices. You can't borrow any items without one.
Well now, you must be itching to know the library rules, so here are a few for now.
Without wishing to patronise you, this a library; a house for books, and not a cafeteria, dormitory, playground, pets' creche, or dance floor. I hope that's clear.
Having said that, there is no rule against noise as such. You should be quiet whilst using the library, but there's no need for crushing silence. Silent reading was unheard of (no pun intended) in ancient libraries, because so many ancient societies had educational systems based on oratory; a low level of chatter is part of the learning process. If another user asks you to be a little less loud, you must oblige. There will also be a jar of earbugs at the issue desk for users to take if they do wish to work in silence.
If you are unwell, and especially if you have a persistent cough, please refrain from visiting until you are better. Coughing belongs in a sound-proof sanitorium, or maybe a popular television game show, but not in a library. It spreads distraction and infection, and is quite, quite counter-productive. In such an instance, you may give your library card to a colleague, and send them on library errands for you.
Staff and students, if they wish to study outside the library, may borrow as many books as they wish for as long as they wish - that is the current rule. But if another user requires a book which you have on loan, you will be sent a recall message and must return the book promptly. To borrow an item, bring it, along with your card, to me at the issue desk. Many books are, I'm afraid, reference only.
Opening hours are: whenever the door is open. By which I mean, THE door. If the library does have any alternative, secret entrances, then presently they are just that - secret.
Now, the books. Treat a book as a lady or gentleman would treat a companion: handle it with care and respect; listen to it, appreciate it; return it safely home. Failure to put books back in the right place will not be tolerated. If you wish to consult a scroll or parchment, let me know.
If necessary, and providing the permissions give... I mean, the Heads give permission, a threefold security system will be installed. This will prevent visitors from leaving if: (I) they haven't put items back in their places; (II) they are trying to remove an item which hasn't been properly checked out; (III) they haven't learnt something while in the library.
I hope your experiences in the library are... interesting, and enjoyable. You may contact me with any questions or requests. I may possibly decide to hire a library assistant at some point, and you may register your interest for such a post, if you wish. Thank you for listening.
- Callimpsest
is this normal?)
