[Publib] BUSINESS CARDS

[Carol Coffey]

When I read the original post, I assumed that the library was trying to
avoid the possibility of a staff member being latched onto by a
disturbed patron who might find it easier to track that staff member
down with a last name.  Or the possibility that a staff member might be
afraid of that happening and therefore avoid handing out the cards.
We've probably all had patrons who tried to get too close for comfort.
In my role as department manager I often give out my first and last
name, but in the course of providing ordinary reference service I use
only my first name.  The same goes for the reference department staff.



My opinion only.
Carol


Carol Coffey
Head of Reference
Central Arkansas Library System
100 Rock St.
Little Rock, AR 72201
ph 501-918-3010
fax 501-376-1830
ccoffey at cals.lib.ar.us
-----Original Message-----
From: publib-bounces at webjunction.org
[mailto:publib-bounces at webjunction.org] On Behalf Of Mary Elizabeth
Allen
Sent: Friday, September 15, 2006 11:14 AM
To: publib at webjunction.org
Subject: [Publib] BUSINESS CARDS 

>>First, we're in the process of making sure all reference staff
personnel
have business cards they can hand out ... especially when there's a good
chance that a person will need additional help.  Noting that public
libraries *do* attract folks who confuse "helpful attention" with
"friendship" last names will be optional.  People will be encouraged to
hand
out the business cards of others if they feel a specific competence
would be
useful

While I think cards for librarians would be great -- would help with the
"last time I was here this woman helped me, where is she?" question --
surely if we want to avoid the impression of encouraging friendship,
shouldn't first names be omitted and the cards read Ms/Miss/Mrs/Mr last
name?

Mary Elizabeth Allen
Mercer County Library System

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