"How can I make your life easier?"
I had helped a person find some articles in the archives. I had shown her how to photocopy them, and I had helped her use the microfilm machines to find more articles.
All in a day's work, right?

But she is a person from the former Soviet Union. Her question suddenly gave me a glimpse into how one can, very nicely, very socially acceptably, offer a little something extra in thankfulness to someone who is just doing their job. Because, I imagine, in some countries you have to reward people for just doing their jobs if you want the job to be actually done.
And I thought, hmmm, maybe I should remember this for my future travels: a friendly, seemingly innocent and sincere way to indicate that you might, just might be willing to pay or give a little extra for something you needed.

And, then again, maybe she was just being nice.