[Publib] Re: Public Library Services for Katrina Evacuees

[Kate Wolicki]

We even have a nice policy, adapted by our head of patron services from
Chicago Public and other nearby libraries' policies:

"Niles Public Library District will be offering library services to
those affected by Hurricane Katrina. Below are guidelines to follow in
an effort to provide quality customer service and accommodate the
library needs of people affected by this disaster.

""Accommodation" Library Cards:  A card will be issued when an
individual can present one piece of identification with his name and one
piece with the address where the patron is temporarily residing.  Please
include hotel bills, shelter letterhead and mail as acceptable forms of
identification. The piece of mail with the temporary address does not
need to include the patron's name.

"Juvenile library cards only require one piece of identification
providing the temporary address. 

"For those patrons who do not have any type of identification, please
accommodate them by offering PC Reservation Guest Cards for Internet and
word processing services. In addition, offer to mail a blank application
to their temporary address. This application may be brought in at a
later date to allow processing of an "Accommodation" Library Card to be
used to checkout material.

""Accommodation" library cards will have a 6 month expiration date.
Patrons, who have proof of a permanent Niles Public Library District
residence at the time of updating the patron record should be changed in
the database. Patrons still living in temporary sites should be given an
additional 6 months on the library card expiration for their
accommodation card.

"As always, we depend upon our staff to make our patrons feel welcome.
Your warm reception and efforts to accommodate this special group of new
patrons will be appreciated. 

"Should you have questions, please do not hesitate to ask for
clarification." 

We've only had a few evacuee families so far, but they do appreciate our
help.
Kate Wolicki
Niles Public Library District
Niles, IL

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Message: 12
Date: Thu, 22 Sep 2005 09:34:28 -0400
From: Mary K Chelton <mchelton at optonline.net>
Subject: [Publib] Public Library Services for Katrina Evacuees
Please forgive me if you've discussed this already, but I'm interested 
in what the libraries in the cities and towns receiving evacuees have 
done for them.