[Publib] Others using card was :Need your library card?

Wed Oct 11 13:02:52 EDT 2006

We only allow people to use a spouse's or whatevers card *if* they are
picking up something on hold for that patron. We never ever ever allow
anyone to use anyone else's card under any other circumstances (if we
know it's not their card). The only exception is that the parent who
signed for the card may use a child's card to check out Children's Dept.
materials.

Linda Cannon, Collection Development Librarian
Joplin Public Library
300 S. Main St.
Joplin, MO  64801
417-623-7953
lcannon at joplinpubliclibrary.org
http://www.joplinpubliclibrary.org <http://www.joplinpubliclibrary.org/>

________________________________

From: publib-bounces at webjunction.org
[mailto:publib-bounces at webjunction.org] On Behalf Of Beverly Michaels
Sent: Wednesday, October 11, 2006 11:50 AM
To: lynne ingersoll; gresd at ohoopeelibrary.org; publib at webjunction.org
Subject: RE: [Publib] Need your library card?

I think I am missing something in this argument (of the two posts
below): What is the relationship between theft of library materials and
requiring patrons to show a library card? At our library, the thieves
don't bother to check things out before they steal them. 

But on a related note, we are getting stricter about requiring actual
library cards here because we have had problems with patrons asking us
to check out materials on their spouse's/parent's/sibling's/friend's
card -- and finding out later that the card holder had not authorized
that use. Despite the elaborate pleading of the borrower, it's no help
to note that the borrower's ID has the same surname and/or address as
the card holder, since some of the worst offenders are estranged spouses
or renegade teenaged kids or crazy siblings.

Beverly Michaels 
Circulation Services 
Tredyffrin Public Library 
610-688-7092, ext 201 

	-----Original Message-----
	From: publib-bounces at webjunction.org
[mailto:publib-bounces at webjunction.org]On Behalf Of lynne ingersoll
	Sent: Wednesday, October 11, 2006 11:57 AM
	To: gresd at ohoopeelibrary.org; publib at webjunction.org
	Subject: RE: [Publib] Need your library card?

	Amen to that!  I will order materials through ILL for patrons
without their cards, but I stress that they must have the card to
actually check out the books.

	Dealing with "lost" (stolen) and long overdue materials is one
of the most stressful things I do.  When I have to replace (or decide
not to replace) a book or a cd or a video, especially after only a
couple of circs, I can feel my blood pressure rising.  That's the money
of my community's taxpayers being stolen, not just an acceptable loss
due to "shrinkage"

	Lynne S. Ingersoll

	Lynne S. Ingersoll

	Reference Services Manager

	Blue Island Public Library

	2433 York St.

	Blue Island, IL 60406

	(708) 388-1078 x20

	(708) 388-9301 Fax

________________________________

	From: publib-bounces at webjunction.org
[mailto:publib-bounces at webjunction.org] On Behalf Of Dusty Gres
	Sent: Wednesday, October 11, 2006 10:32 AM
	To: publib at webjunction.org
	Subject: RE: [Publib] Need your library card?

	NO, NO< what is sad is that the privilege of carrying and using
a library card has been so abused by those who lie, yes lie, and steal,
damage and vandalize public property; and the responsibility for fiscal
management and reporting has become so onerous on administration (I just
got finished with my state audit) - that we have to continue to provide
more and more structure and more and more rules.

	I have to provide more services and materials for more people
with less money -- That is what is sad.

	I have to answer the auditor's question: "What are you doing to
prevent loss and overdues of public property?"  When dealing with public
property I am told there is no such thing as that nebulous, soft little
justification for bad manners and larceny, "acceptable loss."

	What is one of the things I am doing? A minor, minor thing that
makes sense really - requiring a LIBRARY card when someone is at the
LIBRARY checking out LIBRARY books....and, if as you say, that is a
burden and an irritant - well, surely the thought that someone,
somewhere in government is trying to be responsible for and with tax
dollars ought to be a little salve.

	And, I just bet if I get stopped at a driver's license check
tomorrow the Georgia State Trooper will not say - "That's all right,
little lady, even if you forgot to carry your license, if  you know the
number you can just go right on...."

	Dusty Gres, Director
	Ohoopee Regional Library System
	Hdq: Vidalia-Toombs County Library
	610 Jackson Street
	Vidalia, GA 30474
	PH: (912) 537-9283
	FAX: (912) 537-3735
	EMAIL: gresd at ohoopeelibrary.org
	WEB: http://www.ohoopeelibrary.org

________________________________

	From: publib-bounces at webjunction.org
[mailto:publib-bounces at webjunction.org] On Behalf Of Jim Sanderson
	Sent: Tuesday, October 10, 2006 7:44 PM
	To: 'Sue Kamm'; 'Kate McCartney'; publib at webjunction.org
	Subject: RE: [Publib] Need your library card?

	Perhaps its just me but it seems sad that carrying a library
card has moved from being a privilege to a burden.

	James W. Sanderson 
	Supervising Librarian 
	West Avenue Library 
	Newport News Public Library 
	2907 West Avenue 
	Newport News, Virginia. 23607 
	(757) 247-8505 
	(757) 247-2344 
	www.nngov.com/library 

		-----Original Message-----
		From: publib-bounces at webjunction.org
[mailto:publib-bounces at webjunction.org]On Behalf Of Sue Kamm
		Sent: Tuesday, October 10, 2006 2:44 PM
		To: Kate McCartney; publib at webjunction.org
		Subject: Re: [Publib] Need your library card?

		-----Original Message----- 
		From: Kate McCartney 
		Sent: Oct 10, 2006 2:58 PM 
		To: publib at webjunction.org 
		Subject: Re: [Publib] Need your library card? 

		I am not a librarian yet, by working on it.  As a
library user it can be cumbersome to not be able to check out without
the card.  The library I check out of the most has self-check out which
is great.  I have my number memorized so I never have my card on me (you
start to run out of space for all the card you have to carry in you
wallet)  I don't mind if I have to show my picture ID to check out, but
I find it really poor customer service when I am not allowed to check
out even if I know my card number or have my driver license with me.

		I don't always know that I am going to the library when
I go there.  Sometimes I am out running other errands and decide to
stop.  So the reasoning that everyone who is in the library to check out
materials was planning to do so, can be presumptions.

		Is the loss of materials and amount of theft so high
that customer can not be trusted to be honest with who they say they
are?

		SK:  In a word, yes.  

		My library used to limit people to two items until their
permanent card was mailed to them.  I think since we went to "instant
library cards" our loss rate has risen.  The only time we mail a
permanent card is if the borrower doesn't have a photo ID.  

		Stop and consider:  The library is lending public
property.  As custodians of public property, it's the library's
obligation to make its collection available.  Whoever checks out an item
and doesn't bring it back is stealing - and that's either a misdemeanor
or felony, depending on the cost of the materials.  

		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!

________________________________

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