Ummm...Directory "Assistance???"

We just returned from a family vacation to Colorado. On the way back, we routed through South Dakota so the kids could see Mt. Rushmore. I had spotted a book in the gift shop I wanted, but it was $35 and I figured I could be a cheapo and get it on Amazon for less when we got home. No such luck...it was $80 on Amazon. It wasn't available on the Mt. Rushmore gift shop web site, so I decided to call the gift shop at the memorial and ask about buying it from them over the phone.
When I decided to call, I wasn't near an internet connection to look up the number, so I called the old standby, 411.

Here is how the first call went:

(operator): What city and state, please?
(me): I guess Custer, South Dakota...that's the closest town I see...I need the number for the Mt. Rushmore National Memorial.
(op): the Mt. Rushmore National Memorial?
(me): Yes.
(op): and what type of business is this?
.....pause.....
(me): it's...the...national...memorial...?
(op): I have the Mt. Rushmore Natioanl Memorial Society, in Rapid City...
(me): (thinking I'd just call there and they'd have the number I needed) fine, I'll take that number.

Well, the society was closed for the day. So, thinking "that was just one oddball directory assistance person, I'll just call 411 again," I called back and got a (thank you) different directory assistant...

(op): what city and state, please?
(me): Near Custer, South Dakota, I need the number for the Mt. Rushmore National Memorial.
(op): The Mt. Rushmore National Memorial?
(me): yes
(op): Is that the water department?
.....pause.....
(me): no, it's the actual memorial, with the presidents' heads carved in the mountain...?
(op): Well I have a number for the Mt. Rushmore National Memorial...
(me): That will be fine.
(op): here's the number...


Who says education in America is in decline?