Why can't people ask for what they want using the correct terms? I'm not talking about complicated reference questions where people don't quite know what they want, I'm talking simple, common words - if you want a DVD, ask me for a DVD. I've had so many people come in lately and say they want a video of such and such. So I search for videos. And then, once I've done all the work, they tell me they wanted a DVD. Two totally separate words, people. I know we're in the middle of changing over from one technology to another, but that makes it especially important to use the right word. We have both DVDs and videos. We hardly have any nonfiction DVDs yet, so when you ask me for a video of ballroom dancing, you're going to get a video of ballroom dancing. I noticed last night that Cassie has started asking "Did you want a DVD or VHS?" which I guess I should remember to do more often. But still, they're not the same thing!!
The one that really took the cake last night was this guy:
Guy: I'd like an audio tape of U2.
Me: We don't carry tapes any more, just CDs.
Guy: That's what I meant, a CD.
Come on! CDs have been the common format for over a decade now!!