# Wow, apparently I work in a dangerous place. **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [July 1, 2005, 12:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wow-apparently-i-work-in-a-dangerous-place/310613 "2005-07-01T00:15:44Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Sweetums](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/5f8ce5/32.png) [@Sweetums](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sweetums)\ **Post date:** [July 1, 2005, 12:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wow-apparently-i-work-in-a-dangerous-place/310613/1 "2005-07-01T00:15:44Z")
I am a reference librarian. In a public library, near the mall. Not exactly a high risk position, or so I thought. ``` Tonight a patron, upset over my asking him to leave a public computer, called me quite a few names, including "fucking asshole". This parton has been called to task on his language in the past, other patrons have complained. I them informed him that this sort of language was not permitted in the library, and that he was being warned. he then threated to come across the reference desk at me. I then told him to leave the library. His response was slap me across the right ear, knocking off my glasses. I then told him to leave the library and not come back. and escorted him out the front door. Yes the police and library directors were called, and charges will probably be filed. No I am not hurt (I am a big guy, he really didn't hurt me). ``` Still, geeze, what a :wally ---
**Author:** ![SisterCoyote](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/958977/32.png) [@SisterCoyote](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SisterCoyote)\ **Post date:** [July 1, 2005, 12:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wow-apparently-i-work-in-a-dangerous-place/310613/2 "2005-07-01T00:33:02Z")
I don’t get people. Glad to hear you’re filing charges. ---
**Author:** ![phouka](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/c5a1d2/32.png) [@phouka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/phouka)\ **Post date:** [July 1, 2005, 1:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wow-apparently-i-work-in-a-dangerous-place/310613/3 "2005-07-01T01:00:23Z")
Someone…\>choke\<… assaulted…a _ **librarian** _?!?! Oh, for the alternate universes of televised fiction, where librarians can unleash spleen-eating demons on patrons like that. ---
**Author:** ![The\_Weird\_One](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/7bcc69/32.png) [@The\_Weird\_One](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Weird_One)\ **Post date:** [July 1, 2005, 1:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wow-apparently-i-work-in-a-dangerous-place/310613/4 "2005-07-01T01:12:57Z")
Damn, why is it I always get stuck with the _boring_ libraries? _grumble grumble_ ---
**Author:** ![fireman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/71c47a/32.png) [@fireman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/fireman)\ **Post date:** [July 1, 2005, 1:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wow-apparently-i-work-in-a-dangerous-place/310613/5 "2005-07-01T01:19:56Z")
> [@Sweetums](#): > > No I am not hurt (I am a big guy, he really didn’t hurt me). And, apparantly you have a lot of self-restraint…I probably would have been over the counter and showing him the door accompanied by a few walls, the floor and anything else handy. I’m glad you are prosecuting. ---
**Author:** ![SteveG1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/bb73d2/32.png) [@SteveG1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SteveG1)\ **Post date:** [July 1, 2005, 1:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wow-apparently-i-work-in-a-dangerous-place/310613/6 "2005-07-01T01:23:49Z")
Hmmm a big guy? Get a broadsword and become Conan the Librarian. Crush your enemies. See them driven before you. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![treis](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/bc79bd/32.png) [@treis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/treis)\ **Post date:** [July 1, 2005, 1:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wow-apparently-i-work-in-a-dangerous-place/310613/7 "2005-07-01T01:37:57Z")
> [@Sweetums](#): > > No I am not hurt (I am a big guy, he really didn’t hurt me). Thats good to hear uh, Sweetums? ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [July 1, 2005, 1:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wow-apparently-i-work-in-a-dangerous-place/310613/8 "2005-07-01T01:41:26Z")
> [@SteveG1](#): > > Hmmm a big guy? Get a broadsword and become Conan the Librarian. > > Crush your enemies. See them driven before you. 😃 [It’s been done.](http://www.aallnet.org/chapter/mall/conan/conanhp.html)😃 ---
**Author:** ![Metacom](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ecae2f/32.png) [@Metacom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Metacom)\ **Post date:** [July 1, 2005, 1:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wow-apparently-i-work-in-a-dangerous-place/310613/9 "2005-07-01T01:49:39Z")
> [@Sweetums](#): > > Tonight a patron, upset over my asking him to leave a public computer, called me quite a few names, including “fucking asshole”. Lemme guess… Porn? ---
**Author:** ![Cat\_Whisperer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cat_whisperer/32/4839_2.png) [@Cat\_Whisperer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cat_Whisperer)\ **Post date:** [July 1, 2005, 3:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wow-apparently-i-work-in-a-dangerous-place/310613/10 "2005-07-01T03:08:52Z")
Wasn’t Sweetums the name of that really big hairy red monster on Bugs Bunny? Oh yeah, OP - good on you for laying charges. Nobody needs to get assaulted for doing their job. ---
**Author:** ![FaerieBeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/e95f7d/32.png) [@FaerieBeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FaerieBeth)\ **Post date:** [July 1, 2005, 3:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wow-apparently-i-work-in-a-dangerous-place/310613/11 "2005-07-01T03:15:54Z")
> [@featherlou](#): > > Wasn’t Sweetums the name of that really big hairy red monster on Bugs Bunny? I don’t know about Bugs Bunny’s _interesting monster_, but [this](http://www.cam.cornell.edu/~mblais/Sweetums.jpg) is the Sweetums I remember! ---
**Author:** ![FaerieBeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/e95f7d/32.png) [@FaerieBeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FaerieBeth)\ **Post date:** [July 1, 2005, 3:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wow-apparently-i-work-in-a-dangerous-place/310613/12 "2005-07-01T03:20:58Z")
> [@featherlou](#): > > Wasn’t Sweetums the name of that really big hairy red monster on Bugs Bunny? Okay, I was bored, and decided to practice my google fu. [http://toolooney.goldenagecartoons.com/faq.htm](http://toolooney.goldenagecartoons.com/faq.htm) Scroll down to the second text box for this quote: > [@](#): > > “What is the name of that big, orange monster that chases Bugs Bunny and wears sneakers?” > Well, this character’s official name is “Gossamer”. He has starred in 3 films, “Hair-Raising Hare”, “Water, Water, Every Hare”, and “Duck Dodgers and the return of the 241/2th Century”. Chuck Jones created him and directed him in all 3 films. Interestingly, the name didn’t come until the third film, which was actually part of a 1980’s TV special. His only other title has been “Rudolph”, in the second film, “Water, Water Every Hare”. Sorry for the hijack… ---
**Author:** ![Sweetums](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/5f8ce5/32.png) [@Sweetums](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sweetums)\ **Post date:** [July 1, 2005, 3:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wow-apparently-i-work-in-a-dangerous-place/310613/13 "2005-07-01T03:32:48Z")
> [@FaerieBeth](#): > > I don’t know about Bugs Bunny’s _interesting monster_, but [this](http://www.cam.cornell.edu/~mblais/Sweetums.jpg) is the Sweetums I remember! ``` Indeed that is where my doper name comes from. Some of my friends think I look like him. :D Thanks for all the good thoughts. I knew that libraries attracted wierdos, but this is the first time I have actually had a member of the staff assulted. I am however glad it was me, rather than one of other staff members. ``` ---
**Author:** ![Cat\_Whisperer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cat_whisperer/32/4839_2.png) [@Cat\_Whisperer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cat_Whisperer)\ **Post date:** [July 1, 2005, 4:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wow-apparently-i-work-in-a-dangerous-place/310613/14 "2005-07-01T04:39:43Z")
That’s the one! I knew I knew a monster named Sweetums. So, the big hairy guy was Rudolph, or Gossamer, eh? You learn something every day. ---
**Author:** ![TVeblen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/4bbf92/32.png) [@TVeblen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TVeblen)\ **Post date:** [July 1, 2005, 4:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wow-apparently-i-work-in-a-dangerous-place/310613/15 "2005-07-01T04:44:42Z")
A few reactions, **Sweetums** , from a fellow public librarian who, for my sins, also happens to be a director. Public libraries aren’t exactly high risk, but they sure aren’t _safe_ either. Location can mute the risks some, but anybody–howling crazy, pissed off or just plain poison mean–can walk through the doors. A librarian in a distinctly stuffy, upscale city nearby has dealt with an out-of-control stalker for almost two years now. He’s rich, hostile, litigious–and completely out of his mind. Anybody who deals with the general public is fair game. If it’s any consolation, the large public libraries in our area just went together to purchase an automated system (SAMS) to control public internet access. _All_ of us have experienced prolonged, serious problems with–to be blunt–flaming assholes who think they have an ordained right to camp out on computers as long as they want. We got damned sick and tired of the screaming abuse at librarians, fights (verbal and fists) over time slots, refusing to leave when we close, etc. That’s one techological fix: it was fairly expensive and it ain’t perfect. I’m concerned, and vicarously pissed as hell, that you didn’t have more immediate protection and back-up. You should never have been put in that position in the first place. Shit happens, and your library _is responsible_ for your welfare, including random shit. One area of my Main building is somewhat isolated (old building) from other staff–so there’s a panic button installed beneath the desk. The instant a staff member feels threatened, an unobtrusive push with the knee to the button summons assistance within seconds. This was _not_ expensive to install. Staff are trained in ‘conflict resolution’ and all that happy horse shit, but they’re also BACKED. Their safety, and the safety of library patrons, is paramount. If a situation goes sour, they get help; first from other staff to stabilize the mess–safety in numbers–then police. Assault charges should be a no-brainer. Period. No excuses, no waffling. No administrator worth the pay or responsiblity would dither on that one. An asshole loser not only cussed you out, he _hit you in the face_, all because he didn’t want to leave a computer. It should never have happened at all, so now cast a hard, cold eye at how your library responds, **Sweetums**. If TPTB can’t muster up basic responsiblity toward you, then point out the unmistakable message inaction sends to ordinary, responsible library users. “Great place, that library! Cussing, bullies, maybe even a brawl…almost as fun as biker bar!” Veb ---
**Author:** ![RunAmok](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/35a633/32.png) [@RunAmok](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RunAmok)\ **Post date:** [July 1, 2005, 4:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wow-apparently-i-work-in-a-dangerous-place/310613/16 "2005-07-01T04:55:50Z")
> [@TVeblen](#): > > “Great place, that library! Cussing, bullies, maybe even a brawl…almost as fun as biker bar!” > > Veb Hey! I worked for several years in a biker bar, and never got assaulted! Don’t go giving biker bars a bad name, eh? 😃 ---
**Author:** ![TVeblen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/4bbf92/32.png) [@TVeblen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TVeblen)\ **Post date:** [July 1, 2005, 4:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wow-apparently-i-work-in-a-dangerous-place/310613/17 "2005-07-01T04:59:01Z")
A few reactions, **Sweetums** , from a fellow public librarian who, for my sins, also happens to be a director. Public libraries aren’t exactly high risk, but they sure aren’t _safe_ either. Location can mute the risks some, but anybody–howling crazy, pissed off or just plain poison mean–can walk through the doors. A librarian in a distinctly stuffy, upscale city nearby has dealt with an out-of-control stalker for almost two years now. He’s rich, hostile, litigious–and completely out of his mind. Anybody who deals with the general public is fair game. If it’s any consolation, the large public libraries in our area just went together to purchase an automated system (SAMS) to control public internet access. _All_ of us have experienced prolonged, serious problems with–to be blunt–flaming assholes who think they have an ordained right to camp out on computers as long as they want. We got damned sick and tired of the screaming abuse at librarians, fights (verbal and fists) over time slots, refusing to leave when we close, etc. That’s one techological fix: it was fairly expensive and it ain’t perfect. I’m concerned, and vicarously pissed as hell, that you didn’t have more immediate protection and back-up. You should never have been put in that position in the first place. Shit happens, and your library _is responsible_ for your welfare, including random shit. One area of my Main building is somewhat isolated (old building) from other staff–so there’s a panic button installed beneath the desk. The instant a staff member feels threatened, an unobtrusive push with the knee to the button summons assistance within seconds. This was _not_ expensive to install. Staff are trained in ‘conflict resolution’ and all that happy horse shit, but they’re also BACKED. Their safety, and the safety of library patrons, is paramount. If a situation goes sour, they get help; first from other staff to stabilize the mess–safety in numbers–then police. Assault charges should be a no-brainer. Period. No excuses, no waffling. No administrator worth the pay or responsiblity would dither on that one. An asshole loser not only cussed you out, he _hit you in the face_, all because he didn’t want to leave a computer. It should never have happened at all, so now cast a hard, cold eye at how your library responds, **Sweetums**. If TPTB can’t muster up basic responsiblity toward you, then point out the unmistakable message inaction sends to ordinary, responsible library users. “Great place, that library! Cussing, bullies, maybe even a brawl…almost as fun as biker bar!” Veb ---
**Author:** ![Gorgonzola](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e480ec/32.png) [@Gorgonzola](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gorgonzola)\ **Post date:** [July 1, 2005, 5:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wow-apparently-i-work-in-a-dangerous-place/310613/18 "2005-07-01T05:20:53Z")
It is a point. Look long and hard at the response your organization has to “incidents” like this. If you’re encouraged to forget about it, if you are encouraged to feel somehow responsible for the asshole’s behaviour, or the gravity of being assaulted on the job is in any way minimized, get mad early and save yourself the trouble. ---
**Author:** ![GusNSpot](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gusnspot/32/436_2.png) [@GusNSpot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GusNSpot)\ **Post date:** [July 1, 2005, 5:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wow-apparently-i-work-in-a-dangerous-place/310613/19 "2005-07-01T05:37:51Z")
In a little town I used to live in, the Librarian would call the bikers to come help her. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Tentacle\_Monster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ba9def/32.png) [@Tentacle\_Monster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tentacle_Monster)\ **Post date:** [July 1, 2005, 6:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wow-apparently-i-work-in-a-dangerous-place/310613/20 "2005-07-01T06:14:49Z")
> [@SteveG1](#): > > Hmmm a big guy? Get a broadsword and become Conan the Librarian. > > Crush your enemies. See them driven before you. 😃 Just make sure the women don’t lament too loudly. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wow-apparently-i-work-in-a-dangerous-place/310613.md?page=2)