I didn’t expect to like the self-checkout machines, but they do some basic tasks, so I can concentrate on helping people with more advanced queries. Inspired by Dr. Seuss, I’ve privately christened them Thing One and Thing Two.

Some of queries the machines can’t handle are “Sorry, is there a toilet?” but others are more challenging. I was halfway through explaining the extent of our economics reference section to a man when Linda pulled me away with a whispered “I need you, now, Nina”.

That type of appeal can encompass a wide range of dilemmas in my experience. She might have shoved a bus ticket into the printer, set the break room on fire, or deleted the library catalogue.

“Just a moment, Linda.”

I finished my economics chat with the library user,...

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