FW: [Publib] Restroom access by library card

[Baker, Alison]

Kevin wanted this posted to the group


-----Original Message-----
From: Kevin Okelly [mailto:KOkelly at minlib.net] 
Sent: Thursday, March 22, 2007 9:45 AM
To: Baker, Alison
Subject: RE: [Publib] Restroom access by library card

I second or third all those who think limiting restroom access to those
with library cards is a bad idea. It would create a lot of ill-will. And
secondly, it's simply mean.


Kevin O'Kelly
Reference and Cataloging Librarian
Somerville Public Library
79 Highland Ave.
Somerville, MA 02143
(617)-623-5000


-----Original Message-----
From: "Baker, Alison" <bakera at einetwork.net>
To: 
Cc: <publib at webjunction.org>
Date: Thu, 22 Mar 2007 06:35:19 -0400
Subject: RE: [Publib] Restroom access by library card

> 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 
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