Illiterates want the Internet

I'm just not a good enough librarian. Recently I had a patron come in who wanted to use the Internet. We use a pass code system so I asked him if he had one. He said he did and then proceeded to rummage through his wallet. And rummage, and rummage, and then began to explain that he was retarded. Which is fine, I'm not in the habit of making judgments. Finally he digs out his library card.

I explain that's not what he needs, but not to worry I can get him on. So I log him into a computer. Great! Everyone is happy, or so I thought. But pretty soon he's back at the desk because he can't get to Craig's list. O.k. dokey, I go over to his computer and type in the address and get him to the site. I go back to my other work and customers. Yep, pretty soon he's back because he wants the Oregon part. O.k., I go back, show him where it is and take him through the link. Everything is great, I go back to the desk. A time passes and then he's once again back up, this time because he can't read it! Now he admits that he is illiterate. Sigh, not knowing how to use the Internet is one thing, not being able to read isn't something we can fix in five minutes.

Some libraries might have the resources to sit and be their eyes and do all the mouse clicking for someone until they've done whatever they want to do, but we don't. We can help, coach, instruct, resolve, but in the end they have to do it themselves. So I can't just ignore everything and everyone else and spend all my time with one patron.

Plus here's the real kicker, the guy's breath reeks of alcohol. If you are already retarded it would behoove one not to cloud what mental faculties you have with alcohol. Not to mention you might drive people away with your breath!

So then he then wants to know if someone can teach him to read. (As I'm wondering if he thinks we can do so instantly...), I tell him about the literacy council and give him their phone number. Then it dawns on me that if he can't read he might not be able to read numbers. I ask him if he has a friend who can call for him. He allows as that would work. (In case you wondered we have a policy of not allowing patrons to use our phones, and we only make calls for them to procure them rides home). I'm just as glad since I didn't relish trying to translate a conversation between me, him, and the literacy coordinator.

He finally goes away and I get back to my other work and patrons feeling somewhat dissatisfied with the whole exchange. Some part of me thinks I could be more helpful, while another part admits that would deprive my other work and patrons. The third part is just tired of people coming to the library after drinking. Lastly, while I can teach Internet skills, the being able to read part is non-negotiable. Besides is it so much to ask that our patrons be sober!!!!

I had to laugh though when my desk partner said that he probably only wants to learn to read and use Craigs list in order to find women. Heh! That doesn't bother me one bit though. Whatever it takes to motivate one to learn to read and use the Internet!