Friday 19 August 2022

Complaints

Mr. Jensen, the head assistant librarian, has complained to me that the new procedures for book acquisitions are too strict. 

We should not let works in that are slanderous or hurtful to our members. Recently we, no, I let in a work that was particularly hurtful in an obvious way, but as I explained to mr. Jensen, there are more insidious ways that a book can be damaging so we need rely on the Theology Council.

Mr. Jensen told me there have been numerous complaints about delayed orders and reservations. As an example, he mentioned a book that he himself was particularly looking forward too. The book is a culinary work by the famous Gallente chef Fleur Duchous, and it is entitled "The hundred best cauliflower recipes of the cluster". It has been delivered but is waiting in stock, and unlikely to getting the TC's attention soon. He claimed it was completely harmless. 

I proposed that we could both have a look at it together. 

I was soon able to make my point. Recipe #57 is for "Roasted Cauliflower with Walnuts and Parsley". And, a little bit further, #64, innocuously entitled "Cauliflower Glow Bowl", calls for, well cauliflower, of course, but also turmeric, sweet potatoes, red onion, tomatoes, chickpeas and... walnuts!

The pictures in this book are magnificent and will kindle gluttonous desire in its readers. But, for those not aware of walnuts or their inherent danger to the soul, it may lead to disaster. Of course we can put warning stickers on those pages, but it's impossible to check all the cookbooks, let alone all the works that arrive daily at the library.

Grumpy, but sharp as ever, mr. Jensen pointed out that my new procedure has a fatal flaw. What if a work is approved by the Theology Council but nevertheless is hurtful to one of our members?  "No TC committee is screening for that!", he said, as he checked out the cauliflower book for himself anyway.

He's right.