[Publib] Clients/Patrons/Customers

[Bates, Chris]

I prefer customer. I've heard the discourse. But not all customers are patrons in my humble opinion. I sometimes use "constituents" with certain audiences like public officials using the same line of thinking that James notes. Whatever we call them, let's keep them using their libraries!
 
Chris Bates|Senior Manager, Library Experiences|704-416-0622
Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County
310 North Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC 28202
... Expanding minds. Empowering individuals. Enriching our community.
http:/www.plcmc.org <blocked::blocked::http:/www.plcmc.org> 


________________________________

From: publib-bounces at webjunction.org on behalf of James Casey
Sent: Thu 6/11/2009 9:39 AM
To: 'Kathleen Stipek'; publib at webjunction.org
Subject: RE: [Publib] Clients/Patrons/Customers



Back in my Library School experience -- some 36 years ago -- our professors drummed into our heads that the term "patron" was the only appropriate way of designating those we serve.  I can remember Dr. Kephart hollering at us in class: "Patron, Patron, Patron -- not Customer!" 

I have used that term ever since and have noticed that it is the customary expression in every library in which I have worked or visited.  However, as a Library Director, I have found that using the term "taxpayer" often elicits favorable response when I speak to larger audiences and/or write something for publication in the local press.  Our patrons will always be patrons, but remembering that they are also taxpayers helps immensely.  I realize that not all taxpayers are patrons and not all patrons (especially those youngsters we see here in the hundreds) are actual taxpayers, but to raise the connection of "taxpaying patrons" is especially helpful in emphasizing that we are mindful of our imperative to deliver service.

James B. Casey -- My own views
Director of Oak Lawn Public Library
ALA Council Member

-----Original Message-----
From: publib-bounces at webjunction.org [mailto:publib-bounces at webjunction.org] On Behalf Of Kathleen Stipek
Sent: Wednesday, June 10, 2009 4:48 PM
To: publib at webjunction.org
Subject: RE: [Publib] Clients/Patrons/Customers

I had a venerable colleague with a good old-fashioned classical
education, i.e., she could read Latin the way I read English, who
claimed that 'patron' was perfect for the people who come through the
front door.  After all, like the Roman patron, they were picky,
demanding, sometimes petty, and provided us with our jobs so we had to
be nice to them whether we liked them or not.

Kathleen Stipek

Alachua County Library District

401 East University Avenue

Gainesville, Florida 32601

352-334-3931, fax 352-334-3939



--Non, merci

  Cyrano de Bergerac




-----Original Message-----
From: publib-bounces at webjunction.org
[mailto:publib-bounces at webjunction.org] On Behalf Of Melissa K. Davidson
Sent: Wednesday, June 10, 2009 5:27 PM
To: publib at webjunction.org
Subject: RE: [Publib] Clients/Patrons/Customers

I love the option below, but maybe users would suffice?

Melissa

-----Original Message-----
From: publib-bounces at webjunction.org
[mailto:publib-bounces at webjunction.org] On Behalf Of Nann Blaine Hilyard
Sent: Wednesday, June 10, 2009 5:12 PM
To: 'mmaney at south-berwick.lib.me.us'; 'Kevin Okelly'; 'Phalbe
Henriksen'; 'Diedre Conkling'
Cc: 'libs-or'; publib at webjunction.org
Subject: RE: [Publib] Clients/Patrons/Customers

PubLib's own John Richmond and Joe Schallan gave us "custopatronomers."

Nann
@ZBPL




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