Docs desk (a while back)

I have to admit this post isn't exactly about reference.

Question as asked: "How do I find this document?" (Patron has a SuDoc number.)

The number refers to a brief description, printed by the Air Force if I remember correctly, about the use of a particular machine gun.

Follow-up question: this isn't really good enough. Do you think you have one from the Army or Marine Corps?

Librarian: "Uh, we can try and find it."

(Some side discussion with Tom leads to the possibility of an Orbis loan.)

Later: Me:"So, uh, are you just back or are you just about to go?"

Patron: "Well, I'm about to go. We're getting training on this weapon, but my unit is in Portland and it's too long of a drive just to read the training manual. They suggested I come here."

Me: "It's pretty interesting they sent you to a university library. This is a pretty old gun (note: a Marine would have corrected me for calling an automatic rifle a gun. A gun is mounted on a ship or has wheels and is dragged behind a truck.), are you actually still using these?"

Patron: "Well, we're training on them because all the modern stuff is already over there."

Me: "Isn't it kind of odd to train on a gun you're not going to be using once you get there?"



Me: "Will you be able to finish the term?"

Patron: "I don't think so, but it's my last one. I need one more science class to graduate."

Me: "Isn't there some sort of a waiver if you're that close to graduation?"

Patron: "I already got turned down to waive the class--that's why I'm starting the quarter.:

Me: "You'd think there would be some sort of appeal process. There's probably some sort of committee. Would you like me to do some digging?"

Patron (resignedly): "I've already asked around."

Me: "There's always another committee. I can give you a card...."

Patron: "..."