[Publib] Dealing with patrons who steal

[backwage at aol.com]

They call this the "free ink" phenomenon.  Back in the old days, banks kept check blanks and fountain pens (on chains or cords) on their public desks so that patrons could fill out slips before going to the service window.  There were also inkwells there, and many a patron would take out his or her own fountain pen, suck up some free ink and then depart.  Some people would bring a pocketful of pens.  A similar situation existed where free lunches were served at taverns.  This isn't theft per se, but has the same effect in terms of cost.  I went two years without showering (at home) a decade ago--the YMCA had nice showers and plenty of soap, and I'd take advantage of both after a morning swim.  Ever wonder how many people use the employer's internet rather than buy their own service?  

M. McGrorty
who misses fountain pens, free ink and pretzels, gratis

-----Original Message-----
From: Steve Standefer <steve.standefer at mansfield-tx.gov>
To: 'Mary Ann Hayden' <trainlib at hotmail.com>; publib at webjunction.org
Sent: Wed, 1 Apr 2009 8:25 am
Subject: RE: [Publib] Dealing with patrons who steal




I would say the latter; some people are always going to try to screw up a good thing for everyone else.  And your director has other things to do besides ride herd on the coffee pot.  

 

If other patrons observing this one’s behavior decide to adopt similar practices, you will be able to tell it as the coffee pot empties faster than the till fills up. 
 At that time, it might be best to either, 1) abandon coffee for patrons, or 2) offer it for free, or for a donation.

 

At the 7-11 where I often get coffee, I regularly see the same guy loading up his pockets with creamer.  The store staff has to know he is doing it, but what are you going to do?  The vast majority of us play by the rules, so they let it go.  We do this in libraries more than we realize, I think.  You might just want to let it go.  

 

And that’s what I think.  

 

Steve S.

Mansfield, Texas

 




From: publib-bounces at webjunction.org [mailto:publib-bounces at webjunction.org] On Behalf Of Mary Ann Hayden
Sent: Wednesday, April 01, 2009 9:50 AM
To: publib at webjunction.org
Subject: [Publib] Dealing with patrons who steal


 

Pulib members:
Our Friends of the Library group offers coffee, tea and snacks for a fee but patrons are expected to use the honor system by paying for this at the front desk.  Since this service has started we have only had problem with one patron who tried to get away without paying for his coffee.  He even watches us at desk and gets refills when we are very busy. 
 
We have tried all kinds of things to get him to pay regularly like limiting the inventory of creamers so he will be forced to come to the desk to ask for them.  We have watched him when we could, so we could count the cups and even confronted him but nothing seems to work. 

 
Should the Director get involved at this point?  Or should we just be resolved to the fact that some people are, and will always be, less than honorable.  Thanks for any and all ideas.
  
Mary Ann Hayden 
Amherst County Library
MLS






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