[Publib] Restroom access by library card

[Baker, Alison]

This seems the next step in making libraries even more restrictive.  In our area, computer access is allowed, limited and timed with a library card.  Now the suggestion of making the public bathrooms accessible with a library card.  I have even heard of the suggestion to bar entry to anyone who doesn't have a library card (tho how a new patron would be able to get one is anyone's guess)  What happened to the library being a public facility? And yes I have worked in a library where the bathrooms were used by homeless people to wash up, etc.  At least that prevented them from using our loading dock area instead!   I know regular users of libraries that choose for a variety of reasons not to have a card.  I know occasional visitors in the community (taxpayers all) that use the venue for many reasons (programs, etc.) that don't choose to check out materials.  Do we require patrons to have a library card to browse the books, read the newspapers and magazines?   Fighting the stigma of old stereotypes of librarians is a battle I deal with every day.  Encouraging adults to try using a library again who only remember the punative fines and requirement of absolute silence of their youth is tough enough without adding more new kinds of similar negativities.   And yes, asking for the key is much better than requiring a card.  That can be explained in terms of protecting children and others from predators, requiring a library card is a have/have not us and them kind of situation that is not what I think libraries should be.  It is one of the last places out there where everyone has the same access.
 
Alison Baker
 

________________________________

From: publib-bounces at webjunction.org on behalf of Abigail Goben
Sent: Wed 3/21/2007 11:27 PM
To: Reed Winterbourne
Cc: nbricker at lib.sbcounty.gov; publib at webjunction.org
Subject: Re: [Publib] Restroom access by library card


It doesn't seem all that different from having a key that you get at circulation--and I've been in a number of libraries that required that without feeling unwelcome....



On 3/21/07, Reed Winterbourne <the_reeder at hotmail.com> wrote: 

	What?  So you're saying that as an adult visting the library from New York,
	I'd have to go to some desk to ASK PERMISSION to use your restroom?  Wow,
	how fabulously welcoming that would feel.  What kind of unimaginable 
	problems are you having that would lead you to make that decision?  It seems
	to me you'd be creating a lot of ill will.
	
	>Does anyone use patron restroom access by library card; that is swiping
	>the card in an electronic lock (not unlike college smart cards for dorm 
	>access and library checkouts)?  Who are the vendors (library card and
	>locks)?  Thanks!
	
	Of course it's only my opinion,
	
	Reed
	
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-- 
Abigail Goben
abigailgoben at gmail.com