Disagreement on art of following instructions

As many readers of this column would agree, as well as writing about the machinations of the library world and the wonder and benefits of reading, I often include a bit of life experience.

This includes anecdotes about my long-suffering husband and his life with a librarian.

What has inspired this week’s column? The disagreement about my ability to follow instructions.

Following instructions is a part of everyday life and they accompany so many things we use. Reading instructions mean that people have to attend to detail in spoken or written language, to sequence the information in the appropriate steps and to seek clarification if they have trouble remembering the information. (My beloved and I might have some trouble with this bit.)

Depending on the setting and context, following instructions can lead to different outcomes and results.

Written instructions are efficient because large amounts of detail can be provided, that people can read rapidly.

People are more likely to remember instructions when the order is consistent with how events occur.

Words like “first/then” help us know what order we need to complete the command, e. g. “First get your jacket, and then put on your shoes.”

Visual aids such as pictures can help with comprehension and recall of the instruction.

Ikea’s furniture assembly instructions are the stuff of legend. It once took me three hours to put together a desk.

Recipe books are great for following directions and sequencing. We will have a few on display this week to celebrate Neighbour’s Day and the theme Kai Connections.

Be sure to pop into our libraries and see Neighbourhood Support’s and HDC Community Engagement’s fantastic information desk too. Some of us (ahem) only turn

the instructions when needed. Unfortunately, at this point, our emotions have reached a point where we are not receptive to help or comment, frustration has entered the activity, and you have now entered the “cord/wool entanglement spectrum”.

So what inspired the subject of this column? By all accounts from my research on the internet, many people may identify with this — how to properly take a rapid antigen test. No joking matter, I agree.

And neither was the ensuing kerfuffle, resulting in the disagreement of the correct way to insert the swab into the nasal passage.

My claim that I know the shape of my nose better than anyone was disputed and much stomping and stamping ensued.

This was followed by another test, some sage advice from our own Siouxsie Wiles to “go low and slow”, and finally with a negative result.

My husband followed, perfectly, the steps on how to conduct a test on a child. ’Nuff said.

For those who are in need of reading material and are worried about being out and about, pop online and register. You can even reserve your books from our catalogue or let us know what genre and format you are interested in. We will then select and deliver these materials to your door.

Complete the form on our website — www.tetakere.org.nz/ Your-Library/LibraryServices/Homelink Email us at info@horowhenua. govt.nz

Call 368 1953.