Jacksonville, FL (AP) -- A librarian known only as "Refman" was being heralded as a hero by Jacksonville Public Library (JPL) officials today after finding 100% of the Interlibrary Loan (ILL) requests submitted to the Periodicals Department.
The award was given after it was learned that Refman had found and copied the one article that was being requested this morning.
Heather Campbell, Grand Poobah of ILL, presided over the ceremony, which was attended by many dignitaries, including ILL staff, two visitors and a volunteer of unknown derivation.
"It is my distinct honor and pleasure to award Refman with a "Phil" smiley-face sticker, in a color of his own choosing." Refman chose blue, as it's his favorite color. The smiley face awards given for Outstanding ILL Fill Rates are known throughout the Library industry as "Phils," an obvious and playful take on fill rates. Librarians are of course a rambunctious bunch known for their outrageous sense of humor.
Refman was most gracious in receiving this high honor, and visibly moved.
"There are so many people that I'd like to thank. I don't want to leave anyone out, but this is so unexpected, so please bear with me." His eyes began to mist over as he reflected, "Usually, there is always that one book on knitting dog sweaters that is missing or a Ladies Home Journal partially destroyed by vermin with the requested page chewed in half...." His voice trailed off as he shook his head and tried to regain his composure.
"First, I'd like to thank God, my lovely wife Erin, my mom, my little brother who's always supported me -- Hi Jeff! -- other extended family members, my first mentor GM, boss-ladies Julie Mcneil and Karen Jessee, my friends and colleagues in Reference, Periodicals & Non-Fiction -- I'm sorry I can't name you all -- and indeed, throughout the whole building..."
Someone began to play music on an old cassette deck in the corner to signify that it was time to get back to work, or go to a commercial -- anything. Refman only talked louder and more frantically.
"...all my wonderful sponsors, NEFLIN, FLA, Quaker State, Goody's Headache Powder, the boys back at the shop, the whole crew really, the guy on the elevator who told me 'good luck' when I went for my interview at the old library...."
Finally, Security was called in to politely escort Refman back to the second floor, but not before he got a final word in.
"...and friend and Good Samaritan Jani French, who sat with me while I waited for AAA to come that one time when I had a flat tire and my spare was flat too..."
He was whisked away to his own department where he spent the rest of the day basking in the glory that goes with winning a Phil.
A high-ranking Library official wishing to remain anonymous said that while the award was a great achievement, it was more of a "feather in his cap" rather than being an impetus for a salary increase.
3 comments:
OMG this is the coveted "Phil" everyone is talking about. You should feel mighty special about your achievements.
It would only be fair to bring down the excitement just a notch. You wouldn't want others to feel defeated as if they can't compete with your excellence.
Refman-you are truly a overachiever. The "Phil" award just put the icing on the cake.
The Grand Poobah of ILL (sheesh- I can't even rate an "Exalted"? I want a spiffier title for Christmas!)alluded to your achievement here.
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