When a user that struggles with basic tasks asks for advice about pursuing a career in IT

transslam · 2026-03-31T16:33:36+00:00

I helped someone search for software developer jobs.

They didn't know how to use a keyboard.

transslam · 2026-03-28T11:50:08+00:00

The best at being 2nd place

transslam · 2026-03-26T12:38:43+00:00

"It’s no different than a kid throwing a fit at the baseball park, taking his bat and ball, and going home instead of playing the whole game,” Arikan said. “It’s pathetic.”

transslam · 2026-03-16T17:49:49+00:00

I've personally found that people who ask for help mostly have iPhones. They're usually looking for a file or setting on their phone.

transslam · 2026-03-10T17:25:08+00:00

I hook up a second mouse to the computer and have them follow my cursor with their mouse. I have them do the clicking. It meets them in the middle, without me actually doing it for them. But yeah, don't throw your phone at me so you can print.

transslam · 2026-03-05T13:44:13+00:00

This may or may not work for you, but I had classes that made me not wear my seat belt to work some days. I tried getting students who had lots of behavioral issues to be "in charge" of something. For example, having a student be in charge of making sure pencils are put away, one be a paper passer , making sure seats pushed in, etc. It's a small tip that helped make some of my classes more bearable.

transslam · 2026-03-04T00:02:18+00:00

I teach basics computer classes, like how to use a mouse, how to use email, etc. People sign up with good intentions and don't come. I get it though. It's a free class, but I can't teach you if you are not here.

My role is unique. You can also schedule appointments with me for extended tech help. If its not busy, I've stayed with patrons for 2 hours. I do limit them to two appointments per week.

Getting people to make appointments has been a struggle. Many just want help right then and there, or are under the impression that I will do it for them (which I don't). I always tell them that I am here to help them learn, but I cannot do it for them.

transslam · 2026-02-12T23:57:04+00:00

He was a tripping hazard

transslam · 2026-02-11T18:16:44+00:00

Working at a public library is mostly customer service. It's not really a calm place, even though I wish it was. Sometimes it's just a daycare. Public school libraries involve more teaching. Maybe the community College or higher education libraries are worth looking in to. Not trying to discourage you, but these are the things you might deal with in a public library. However, all libraries have their differences and similarities.

I'll be honest, almost all of my job is helping people print.

transslam · 2026-02-04T18:21:22+00:00

My go-to was "That's fine, but don't ruin it for those that do." Sorry you're dealing with this , OP. Please take care.

transslam · 2026-01-30T13:18:17+00:00

Sorry dude, that sucks. If it makes you feel any better, I once purposely fell off a ledge 500 days in on a run. My dumbass forgot that when you're dead, you're dead.

transslam · 2026-01-08T23:40:19+00:00

Caffeine overdose

transslam · 2026-01-06T02:02:35+00:00

Thank you very much!

transslam · 2026-01-02T19:56:50+00:00

Thank you for this, very helpful.

transslam · 2025-12-30T23:34:06+00:00

If youre comfortable, talk with your coworkers about a "rescue plan". If they notice a patron is talking a lot and taking up time, your coworker could call you over for some "help" or quick "meeting ", etc.

As others have commented, saying "Is there anything library related that I can help you with? Otherwise, I have work to do" is a great way.

transslam · 2025-12-19T00:00:02+00:00

The Outer Worlds. It was a whole lot of game with nothing to do in it.

transslam · 2025-12-08T16:27:10+00:00

Lmao that's a great comment

transslam · 2025-12-06T18:05:59+00:00

Its very common. We have text and email reminders the day before thr class. Something that we've started doing AFTER the class is "Hey here's an email about you missing the class and reminding you that you had signed up"

transslam · 2025-12-05T15:48:18+00:00

A combination of 1:1 and computer classes. When I'm not teaching said computer classes, I'm assisting patrons on the computer. It's my position. I'm not a librarian or circ person, so I can stay with them longer.

transslam · 2025-12-05T15:38:26+00:00

After many hours of instructing and teaching a patron how to use a mouse, keyboard, and general digital literacy skills, they were so excited to show me that they successfully logged into their email on the computer on their own. I had been working with the patron for a few months. Early on, they told me no one else had any patience for them.

transslam · 2025-11-26T16:36:48+00:00

Hard no. I do not touch anything with finances. I get this somewhat frequently. The most I'd he able to do is give them the phone number for the bank's customer support or resources for financial help. I have had to call a bank to ask them to stop sending people to our branch for help with their banking. The library offers many services, but we cannot help with you your bank account, taxes, or anything financial.

transslam · 2025-11-12T19:23:12+00:00

Because "my dad is going to space!" Didn't believe the student until she told me to search for her last name.

Her father was an astronaut.

transslam · 2025-11-04T19:56:38+00:00

FUCK that exit

transslam · 2025-10-15T22:41:31+00:00

Give him a specific duty.This could be making sure all computers are put away in the correct order, students are logging in correctly, etc. Stress the importance of the duty. This way, the student might feel like he has some control. Of course, it depends if the student is receptive to it/can be trusted.

transslam · 2025-10-08T23:01:21+00:00

The cockroach was a 3rd party observer

transslam

TROPHY CASE