DEAR ABBY: I have been a librarian for 25 years and hope you will help me get an important message out to people everywhere.
Many times when patrons approach me at the library information desk, they preface their requests with, "I know this is probably a dumb question, but ..." Abby, this always distresses me, because the fact is, most librarians love their work -- and if everyone walked into the library already knowing how to find the information they want, we wouldn't be needed!
I always tell my patrons that as far as I'm concerned, there are no "dumb" questions, and if it weren't for their asking for my help, I would be working at something far less enjoyable. So, the message is, "Please ask the librarian. We want to help you!" Thanks, Abby. -- CAROL GOODSON, CARROLLTON, GA.
DEAR CAROL: I'm pleased to convey your message. I am in complete agreement with your philosophy that there's no such thing as a dumb question. What is really dumb is remaining ignorant.