Working at a library might seem boring to the average student, but graduate student David Potocnik keeps himself busy by solving the problems of library patrons.

“You have to fight off the need to be lazy, and instead try to help people,” Potocnik said of working at the library.

Potocnik is a graduate student supervisor at Jerome Library. His duties include checking books in and out, taking care of late fees on students’ accounts and assisting in the day-to-day operations of the library.

Whether it’s dealing with students or organizing books, Potocnik stays occupied, especially on Sundays.

“Sunday afternoon, hands down. I don’t really know why,” Potocnik said of the Library’s busiest day of the week.

Answering students’ questions, whatever they may be, is a major part of Potocnik’s job.

Every few minutes, a student or teacher usually approaches Potocnik with a question, and he has to do his best to help them.

Students also take their complaints to Potocnik.

“Sometimes people complain about the size of our movie section. I just tell them to go to Video Spectrum,” Potocnik said.

On Tuesday evening, Potocnik received a call from a concerned student, asking what to do if a tornado should strike. Potocnik explained that the Library serves as a tornado shelter, and if weather is bad, it can stay open as long as it needs to be.

“I’m not sure why someone would call the Library if they’re worried about a tornado,” Potocnik said.

Since Potocnik started work at the Library in June, he’s realized that investigating students’ questions has been beneficial to him.

“It’s good for problem solving,” he said. “If someone asks a random, off-the-wall question, you have to try to explain why we have the rules that we do.”

After graduating from the University as an undergraduate, Potocnik spent a year back-packing across Europe. He visited Ireland, France, Germany, Italy and Slovakia.

“Slovakia is that sort of Europe that everyone imagines. You don’t see billboards anywhere,” Potocnik said.

After one year in Europe, Potocnik came back to Bowling Green, and is currently in his first semester of graduate school. He plans to earn a master’s degree in history.

Potocnik said the “people skills, problem solving and attention to detail” he’s learned at the library will help him with future endeavors.

Potocnik said he enjoys working at the library, and loves interacting with his fellow students.

“There are different kinds of people in different stages of not only life, but in school as well. Everyone I work with is fun. It’s a great atmosphere. A definite bonus is getting a chance to get your schoolwork done.”