[Publib] (no subject)

[Amy Byrne]

Judy,

I would explain to the man that the use of swear words in the library was not allowed and that he needs to speak more respectfully.  If he did not calm down after that and he continued to use swear words, I would give him a formal, oral warning.  If he continued, it would then turn to a 30 day suspension, as per the rules outlined in our code of conduct.

At Rockford Public Library, we have trained staff members who are "Staff in Charge."  They are often called in situations like you explained when dialog with another staff member has broken down.  Additionally, we have a uniformed security office at our main location.

We do not offer library cards that enable a homeless person to check out materials, but we do have a "Computer Usage Only" card that allows them internet access.

Amy Byrne
Circulation Services Manager
Explore ∙ Experience ∙ Enlighten
-----Original Message-----
From: publib-bounces at webjunction.org [mailto:publib-bounces at webjunction.org] On Behalf Of Scuderi, Judy
Sent: Thursday, May 25, 2006 10:57 AM
To: publib at webjunction.org
Subject: [Publib] (no subject)

Second try to get this posted:

Publibbers,

I know patron behavior has been discussed on the list before but I would
like to know your general thoughts and perhaps stated policies about
verbal abuse by patrons.

Here is the story:

A patron came to the computer desk and asked for the next available
opening.  The librarian told him there was an opening at 2:15.  The man
said "what time?" and the librarian said in a louder voice 2:15.  The
man went ballistic.  He told the librarian that he did not need to yell
at him.  The librarian was very calm and said "sir, I wasn't yelling, I
was just giving you your time slot."  The man continued to yell at the
librarian about this and that, and then he threw in a couple of cuss
words.  The computer librarian tried to keep him calm but he just didn't
stop ranting.

In your experience, what would you have done and/or what do your
policies state?  This is a continuing problem for us.

And, somewhat related:

Do you issue library cards to homeless patrons?

What do you require for patrons to sign up for computer use?  We
currently have a sign up sheet that the librarian uses to sign up
patrons (patrons do not sign themselves up) and we require no i.d. or
library card.  Do you require i.d. in case there is a problem, perhaps
regarding computer use or patron behavior? 

Thanks,

Judy Scuderi
judy.scuderi at lakelandgov.net
Technical Services Librarian
Lakeland Public Library
100 Lake Morton Drive
Lakeland, Florida 33801
863 834-4278
863 834-4293 (fax)

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