I was at a library in Cincinnati last month and a patron's question completely changed how I handle open-ended requests.

They asked 'What's the best way to learn about ancient Rome?' and I realized my usual list of book titles wasn't helping because I didn't ask if they wanted a deep history, military tactics, or daily life... so now I always ask 'What part of that are you most curious about?' first.

2 comments

2 Comments

john64822d ago

I mean it's just a library question, not a therapy session. People ask for book suggestions, you give them a couple standard titles. If they want more detail they'll usually ask a follow up. Feels like making a simple thing way too complicated, like when coffee shops need your life story just to make a latte.

aaronowens22d ago

Is this really a big deal? People ask vague questions all the time. You just give a basic answer and move on. Sounds like you're overthinking a simple library interaction.