I know at larger airports, it's NEVER a slow time. But what about at smaller airports that are large enough to rate manned ATC, but things aren't always fast-paced, high-traffic like at JFK or DFW, etc. (say an airport like JLN (Joplin Regional))?
What other duties do ATC personnel do when the traffic is light? Do they just sit and stare all day at the readouts, waiting for any one aircraft to appear and call in? Or are there other "busy work" items they do when things are 'slow' and they are listening for air traffic to call in for instructions?