Friday, August 17, 2007
Why humans are better than computers
Clarissa just came to my office and said there was a woman looking for a couple of books but she didn't remember the titles or the authors, just the plots. I went out to see if I could help. The woman said "I'm looking for a book called The Emperor of Something."
"Oh," I said, "The Emperor of Ocean Park?"
"Yes, that's it! I want the new one by the guy who wrote that."
So I replied "Okay, that's Stephen Carter, let's see if it is in. Oh, it is - let me get it for you."
She then said "I'm looking for another book, by a divorced woman who goes to Europe---"
and I interrupted her and said "Eat Pray Love, by Elizabeth Gilbert?"
"Yes! That's it!" she said.
Unfortunately our copy of that book was checked out, but she did leave happily with the latest Stephen Carter book.
I'm fortunate that I love books, but I also soak up book information like a sponge, so even though I'd never read The Emperor of Ocean Park I was able to pull it out of my memory (somehow). Plus, I pay attention to what is on the pop culture radar (in terms of books, at least). I'd like to see our stinkin' library automation system beat THAT.
Or, I'd like to see our library automation system deal with the patron I once had, who was convinced that she wanted a book called "The Crystal Palace." "It's a book about a woman who has dysfunctional parents," she said. "It's a memoir." I told her "I think you mean 'The Glass Castle.'"
Funny, how the mind works. The human brain is an amazing thing.
¶ posted by Mary Martin @ 2:42 PM
Comments:
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They not better or worse. They're apples and oranges and do different things.
...Good lord don't you realize that none of your posts have comments? Ever think why?
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...Good lord don't you realize that none of your posts have comments? Ever think why?
# posted by 
: November 07, 2007 3:54 PM
: November 07, 2007 3:54 PM<< Home
