Going Above and Beyond ... Customer Satisfaction

I read recently that in the early 1900s the Brooklyn Rapid Transit Company regularly ran ads in the newspaper telling patrons what they had left behind in the rail cars.  The ads mentioned valuable items such as handbags, suitcases, coats and eyeglasses.  More mundane items were also mentioned on the list of lost and found items ... a baby bottle, a letter, a small music roll, a knife ... illustrating the point that an item's value is in the eye of the beholder.
  The fact that the company went to the time and expense of placing the ads is impressive.  We often deal with people/companies who are helpful, efficient and pleasant.  Or not.  But finding ones who truly go above and beyond is a much appreciated experience.
  I'm proud to say that I work with a group of above-and-beyonders at my branch of the public library.  It's what they do.  And doing so makes them as happy as the satisfied patron.    
 
 

A Lesson from Steve Martin ... Cause and Effect

photo by Jan Siebold

1.  Went to hear Steve Martin speak at University of Buffalo.  His message ... originality!
2.  Heard about his new CD with Edie Brickell ... Love Has Come for You.
3.  Ordered CD from Buffalo and Erie County Public Library System.
4.  Received CD.  Liked it a lot.  Decided to buy a copy.
5.  Read CD liner notes.  In the notes for the song "King of Boys", saw a reference to book called A History of the World in 100 Objects by Neil MacGregor.
6.  Looked up MacGregor book in Buffalo and Erie County Public Library catalog.  Found entry.
7.  Saw an entry directly above for a book subtitled 100 Objects Inserted and Ingested in Places They Shouldn't Be by Rich Draben.
8.  Learned ways to avoid major physical discomfort, injury and possible death from Draben book.  Thank you Steve Martin!