Dear patron:

Asking me if certain DVDs are available is okay. I don't mind looking them up for you at all. I know that I understand our catalog a lot better than you, and it is my pleasure to help you track down materials.

However, if I tell you they are checked out, and offer to place a hold on them (which you refuse), don't be surprised if my other two colleagues give you the same answer when you ask them about the same DVDs within 10 minutes.

kthxbai!