The department is scheduled to close at 5 PM and it is now 4:55; a patron is still reading. What should you do?

The department is scheduled to close at 5 PM and it is now 4:55; a patron is still reading. What should you do?

• A. Tell him the time and ask if he wishes to borrow the book.
• B. Evict him immediately
• C. Ignore him
• D. Ask him to finish and wait until tomorrow

Answer: (A)

The main thing being tested is handling a library closing with courteous service. At this moment, the best approach is to politely tell the patron that the building is about to close and offer him the chance to check out the book if he wants to take it with him. This I informs him of the time so he can decide what to do, and it gives him an option to continue using the library’s service right up to the close. It respects his need to read and borrow, adheres to closing procedures, and avoids unnecessary disruption or abrupt removal of the patron. Jumping to evict him, ignoring him, or asking him to finish and come back tomorrow would be rude or unhelpful, not aligned with good customer service. If allowed by policy, you’d complete the checkout so he can take the item home, or offer appropriate alternatives like renewing if possible.

The main thing being tested is handling a library closing with courteous service. At this moment, the best approach is to politely tell the patron that the building is about to close and offer him the chance to check out the book if he wants to take it with him. This I informs him of the time so he can decide what to do, and it gives him an option to continue using the library’s service right up to the close. It respects his need to read and borrow, adheres to closing procedures, and avoids unnecessary disruption or abrupt removal of the patron. Jumping to evict him, ignoring him, or asking him to finish and come back tomorrow would be rude or unhelpful, not aligned with good customer service. If allowed by policy, you’d complete the checkout so he can take the item home, or offer appropriate alternatives like renewing if possible.