The Alphabet Challenge: Why Even Librarians Sing the ABCs for Organization

In a recent viral video, TikTok creator Jordan Howell shared a humorous observation about her interns' approach to alphabetizing tasks. Howell recounted how her interns resorted to writing down the entire alphabet to assist them, explaining their method with the quip, "because Q doesn't give before W." This anecdote, which Howell concluded with a lighthearted "we're cooked, dude," quickly resonated with a broad audience, sparking a lively discussion online. While Howell's initial reaction suggested a generational gap in basic knowledge, many viewers, including self-identified librarians and professionals, chimed in to defend the interns' strategy. Numerous comments revealed that singing the ABCs or even writing them down is a common, practical method for many adults when faced with alphabetizing, especially for tasks requiring speed and accuracy. This collective response transformed the video from a simple anecdote into a broader conversation about diverse cognitive strategies and the unexpected utility of seemingly basic tools in everyday professional life.

afterschool.substack.com

Romantic Recessions and Six B's

"we're cooked dude"