If you ever want to experience true bureacracy, just take a trip down to the Library of Congress (link to the right). After spending 20 minutes getting the photo identification card that one needs to even enter a reading room in the library, let alone actually look at books, I was treated to my first experience with closed stacks. The conversation went something like this:

ME: So I just fill out this form and then you'll retrieve the book for me right?

Librarian: No. Fill out the form, and then I'll fax it over to the section where someone will retrieve the book and bring it here, and I'll give it to you.

ME: But the books are right in that other room, right? So why couldn't someone just walk over there and get it?

Librarian: Many of our books are located in other buildings, and take some time to find. Just fill out the form and I'll fax it over. You should get it within the hour.

ME: Ok.

After filling out the form and handing it to the librarian

Librarian: Oh.

ME: What?

Librarian: Well, this book is actually offsite at Fort Meade. You won't be able to get it today.

ME: But you said that you'd be able to fax it over and I'd get it within the hour.

Librarian: Yes but this book is actually in storage at a separate facility. It'll take more time to get here. Can you come back tomorrow, or possibly Monday?

So, long story short, I filled out a second form for a different author after a thorough search, which was unfortunately submitted 10 minutes after the final request time. I'll be heading back there in the morning.
Your government at work!

(Although, in all fairness, it really is quite an impressive collection and anyone who can should go and visit)