Imagine you are at your workplace, ready to assist a customer, only to be met with disbelief about your position. What would you do if a customer questioned your authority or presence at work? Would you attempt to validate your role, or would you simply walk away, leaving them to navigate their issue alone?

In a recent incident that has garnered attention online, a librarian found herself in such a perplexing situation, opting for the former approach. This amusing yet concerning encounter highlights a common misunderstanding that can arise in public service environments.

The librarian, known on social media as disgustedlibrarian, works in a vibrant public library characterized by an open-plan layout. The library features a service desk that houses essential staff computers, but librarians aren't always stationed behind this desk. Unlike many retail environments, library staff do not wear uniforms; however, they do display name badges that clearly indicate their employment status.

On this particular day, after assisting another patron in locating a book, the librarian returned to find a sizable queue forming at the service desk. Eager to help, she approached a woman in the line, who would later be referred to as CL (for Crazy Lady). The interaction began innocently enough:

Me: Hi, Can I help?

CL: Who are you?

This brief exchange quickly escalated when CL expressed skepticism about the librarian's claim of employment. The librarian, slightly taken aback, flashed her name badge in an effort to clarify her position:

Me: I’m disgustedlibrarian, I work here (showing her my badge).

CL: No you don’t, you’re not behind the desk!

The librarian was momentarily stunned, contemplating the logic behind the customer’s assertion. Was it really the case that one had to physically be behind the desk to be considered a legitimate staff member? To demonstrate her commitment to helping, she stepped behind the desk and reiterated:

Me to CL: Hi, can I help…?

CL: Yes, can you… (proceeds to explain her problem).

This incident raises an intriguing question about perceptions in public service roles: does physical presence dictate legitimacy in the eyes of customers? The librarian's experience elicited a wave of reactions on social media, particularly on Reddit, where users shared their perspectives and similar encounters.

One Redditor expressed an aspiration to become a librarian, highlighting the positive impact that these professionals have, while another user recounted a similar experience—but with a twist. They pointed out that sometimes, it seems that wearing a doctor's coat can grant one instant credibility, contrasting sharply with the librarian's challenge.

In a lighter tone, additional comments revealed shared disbelief at the attitudes some patrons possess. One user even humorously asked, “Who are these crazy people who think librarians are liars?” Such remarks underscore the bizarre misunderstandings that can occur in everyday interactions.

As the discussion continued, many users recognized the inherent challenges of customer service roles, especially in public libraries where there is often a perception that staff are more accessible for help. The librarian’s story not only entertained but also sparked a deeper conversation about respect and recognition in public-facing jobs.

If you found this story amusing, you might also enjoy another tale about a rude customer who got exactly what they wanted from their pizza order, further illustrating the often unpredictable dynamics between service providers and customers.