T34: Answers

It never occurred to me that there was an issue with online answer sites. I mean really: Can't we all just get along?

I'm an Internet searcher. I use online answer sites. It is part or using all my available resources. Even as a library employee, I recognize that sometime the Internet has more timely and more available information.

I have no issue with this.

I think part of my responsibility as a public servant is to help the public learn how to access good information from a variety of sources. Sometimes this will be from these online answer sites.

The answer site I visited had mostly opinion based question/answers. This presents a new set of concerns. I try very hard to not express my opinion when giving out information. My answers need to be factual. If I do express and opinion, I make it very clear that it is simply my opinion.

Online, people can express their opinions without having to worry that the next day the person will come back into the library and say that the mayo-based hair rinse was a complete failure and now her hair is ruined.

Or whatever.

In a small town library, it is necessary to be a little more discerning with what opinions you offer.

I'm curious about the slam board thing. I'm going to delve deeper into that and then have a separate post about my misadventure in providing answers. Assuming I actually provide any.