MacGyver in the Library

This week, the children’s librarian and I were on all fours trying to secure a shelf. The little metal gadget that was supposed to fit snugly in the adjustable shelving holes had instead made the hole larger. As a result, the weight of the shelf was continually pulling the gadget out of its hole. After a brief conference, we wrapped a layer of electrical tape around the tiny nub of the gadget, increasing its size just enough for it to fit snugly. At least until we replace the book case. “We’ve MacGyvered another one,” my colleague sighed as we assessed our work. I thought, I wonder if people would see us differently if they realized how often what we do is “MacGyvering.”