Friday, December 09, 2005

Reference Interview?

A patron strides toward the Reference Desk in leather jacket, long scraggly (white) beard, leather hat, etc.

I say: Hi. May I help you?
Patron: Hell Angel Ralph Sonny Barger
Cat.: Is that a book? [typing madly at the keyboard, because it rings a bell]
Patron: Yeah. ["Duh" tone in voice] Hells Angels.
Cat.: The author is Barger, right? [not coming up under "Hell's Angels" in catalog]
Patron: Yeah.
Cat.: Ralph...right...? Yep, here it is. We own it. Let's go find it. [we walk 25 feet to the shelves...my shoulder-blades tight] Here it is.
Patron: [takes book, walks past me to sit down and read it]
Cat.: [RUNS back to desk to type this up, word for word]

Here's the LJ review of the book, from 2000, for Hell's Angel : the life and times of Sonny Barger and the Hell's Angels Motorcycle club:
In this most intriguing and insightful look into the highly controversial, five-decade-old Hell's Angels Motorcycle Club (HAMC), Barger chronicles the formation, history, and colorful events that have led to the mystique and outlaw image of this free-thinking organization. In 1957, Barger (a technical consultant on several biker films, including Hell's Angels on Wheels and Hell's Angels '69) formed the Oakland chapter, which would become the foundation and serve as headquarters for the entire club. In his own words, Barger shares stories of pool hall fights, motorcycle runs, the importance of loyalty and honor, and relentless battles against the government efforts to destroy the HAMC. He also tells his side of the infamous 1969 Rolling Stones concert at Altamont Raceway. The many photos provide additional glimpses into this wild and dangerous American subculture. A most interesting book that is recommended for popular culture collections.
Yoicks. Guess that grant to get men into the library is working. Already.

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