[Publib] Adults in children's area

[Lynne Ingersoll]

Librarians are still mentors and trusted friends of all kinds of patrons,
not just children.  Our children's librarian is a perfect example of this
librarianly attribute.  But even she does not always know every single kid
who comes in.  Nor do I know every adult patron.  But when we see the same
face a second time we do try to make that person's acquaintance.

This discussion has gotten a bit terse.  Perhaps I am not making things any
better, but there is a tone of lecturing from the unidentified subs itoors.
The experiences of all of us are what makes this list so vital and are
equally valuable.  No one, based on length of service, level of education,
size of community, or any other real or imagined qualification, has the
corner on being right --- including me.

We can have differences of opinion without superiority, sarcasm or general
snideness --- can't we?

Lynne S. Ingersoll
Reference Services Manager
Technical Services Manager
Blue Island Public Library
2433 York Street
Blue Island, IL 60406
(708) 388-1078 x20
(708) 388-9301 Fax


-----Original Message-----
From: publib-bounces at webjunction.org [mailto:publib-bounces at webjunction.org]
On Behalf Of subs itoors
Sent: Thursday, January 31, 2008 12:26 PM
To: Sue Kamm
Cc: publib at webjunction.org; King,Jamie
Subject: Re: [Publib] Adults in children's area

Nobody says it is your responsibility, and there is no need to shout.  
And how do you get to websites and library materials from this  
conversation?

There is something in the law called "Duty of Care" and no-one--not  
even you--can opt out of it.

What that law says, is that despite anyone signing a waiver, despite  
any responsibility guidelines, a person in charge of something has a  
duty to care for the people under their charge.

In this case, that means that if you as a librarian do not wish to  
help provide for the fundamental safety of the kids, you should not be  
working in the children's library section.

it is most definitely not a day care center. However, it IS A PUBLIC  
SPACE  that is designed for children, and with that in mind,

As for IN LOCO PARENTIS, that means in the place of the parent. Nobody  
expects you to take on the role of the parent, and if they do and  
treat your children's area as a drop off play area, then it is in fact  
your responsibility to talk to the parent and alert them to the  
library's policy of not allowing unattended children. BECAUSE, if you  
do not, and if it is found by a court of law that you regularly acted  
in a In Loco Parentis fashion, it can easily be argued that you had a  
duty of care beyond just being a librarian--and you can be sued both  
personally and as a representative of the organization.

It is so so sad there are so many people on this list that either have  
so many irresponsible parent patrons, or feel so strongly against  
doing their part to create a more secure enviroment for children in  
their public space.

There was a time when a librarian was a trusted mentor and friend who  
knew the kids coming in and actually cared what happened to them.

I see in some cases clearly they'd rather simply take responsibility  
for books than for helping future generations...