[mail] [Publib] Special privileges

[Bishop O'Rourke Library]

As a librarian in a special library (no, we don't offer better privileges to big donors), I used to be the one who wrote acknowledgement/thank you letters to our donors.  In our letter I was told to include that no goods or services were received in return for this donation.  I'm not sure exactly why, but I'm pretty sure it's a legal or tax issue.  And yet, that's exactly what this patron appeared to expect in return for his donation: special services.  So maybe there's also a legal grounds to refuse him.  Patrons do tend to be more persuaded by "no, I'm sorry, the law prohibits that."

At the very least, this donor doesn't understand the concept of a donation.  Maybe it's the result of too many fund drives offering incentives for donating--tote bags, mugs and such (PBS comes to mind).  

Melissa Martinez
Librarian, Bishop O'Rourke Library
Institute of Catholic Thought
St. John's Catholic Newman Center 
Champaign, IL
Phone: (217) 255-6610
Email: library at sjcnc.org 


----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Linda Dydo 
  To: publib at webjunction.org 
  Sent: Tuesday, January 09, 2007 6:48 PM
  Subject: [mail] [Publib] Special privileges


  Over 30 years in the business, and I still am amazed by new situations.

  One of our nicest customers, who regularly donates books, suggested that he be allowed special privileges because he donates so much.
  He would like priority on requested title lists, or perhaps a lower fine rate, or longer check-put periods and unlimited renewals.

  Do any of you public libraries provide tiered privileges based on donor activity?

  I googled this, and find that some libraries do allow priority on request lists for special donors, but these were special libraries, not public.

  My self-righteousness (which I would have taken pains to conceal from the customer) is a little shaken.  I wanted to proclaim that no library would ever do this.  

  Can I still use the old "public libraries, publicly funded, provide equal access" while I think (sir, our favors cannot be purchased.)



  Linda Hardy Dydo
  Assistant Library Director
  Los Gatos Public Library
  110 E. Main Street
  Los Gatos, California     95030
  408-354-6897




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