Background

I live and work in Newark, Delaware.

According to my Foursquare check ins, I've been to the Newark Post Office at 401 Ogletown Road more than 140 times in the past couple of years (mostly checking the P.O. Box for work).

The plaque on the building says that it was dedicated to public service in 1975.

So, here's the thing:

It seems like time comes to a screeching halt for people who have to get help at this post office.

Here's a couple of recent examples:

Both of these videos were taken in January, 2013 - and, I would say, are the "normal" experiences for many of us.

During one of those excursions, I offered my twitter friends the following updates (start at the bottom and go up)

kengrantdeJan 03, 10:44am via HootSuite

Newark Post Office update: now 10:43 and I have my mail (photo:ow.ly/i/1kaTQ ) #netde

kengrantdeJan 03, 10:40am via HootSuite

Newark Post Office update: Video link #netde ht.ly/1QMcCc

kengrantdeJan 03, 10:38am via HootSuite

Newark Post Office update: 2nd in line (of 12) - 3 people working the counter #netde

kengrantdeJan 03, 10:36am via HootSuite

Newark Post Office update: sixth in line and 3 people now working at the counter- #netde

kengrantdeJan 03, 10:33am via HootSuite

Newark Post Office Update: now 11th in line, three people have walked in and left after seeing the line

kengrantdeJan 03, 10:30am via HootSuite

Newark Post Office update: both workers have left the counter to go in the back #netde

kengrantdeJan 03, 10:29am via foursquare

Ok, it's now 10:28, I am the 14th person in line with 2 workers at the counter - let's see how long this takes #netde 4sq.com/UIJeDl

I started thinking - can't we do better? Shouldn't we be able to get through a line at the Post Office about as quickly as we can get through a line at WaWa or the Library (to name two random places within walking distance of the Newark Post Office)?

I will not claim to know the answer - I think some research is needed - for all I know my experiences are simply flukes and the Newark Post Office normally runs like a well-oiled machine and people spend less than 2 minutes in line.

First step, measurement:

I plan to spend some time at the Newark Post Office to gather statistics - number of customers, time in line, number of Postal Workers at the counter, etc.

Updates coming soon, your input is welcome.