[Publib] (no subject)

[Sue Kamm]

-----Original Message-----
>From: "Scuderi, Judy" <Judy.Scuderi at lakelandgov.net>
>Sent: May 25, 2006 8:56 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.  

I would have called our security officer and/or the police.  If this is an ongoing problem - that there are confrontations between library staff and users who are a few fries short of a Happy Meal - you should work with your local law enforcement.  They are being paid the big bucks to deal with people whose behavior is out of control.

>
>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? 

I'm not familiar with our circulation policies, but I do know that we require identification in order to get a library card.  We require a valid card to use computers or study rooms.  A valid card is one that has not expired, does not show fines or fees on the account more than $3, and does not show any delinquent materials.  We literally "check out" computer workstations by scanning the library card and a barcode for computer use.

Your friendly CyberGoddess and Councilor-at-large,
Sue Kamm
Inglewood/Los Angeles, CA
Truest of the Blue, Los Angeles Dodgers Think Blue Week 2000
email:  suekamm [at] mindspring.com
When you absolutely, positively HAVE to know, ASK A LIBRARIAN!