[Publib] use of library phone by public

[Steve Standefer]

We have a courtesy phone in the library that is limited to local calls.  Its
intent, and most of its use, is for the kinds of calls you suggest.  As far
as I know, we have never had to approach someone and tell them to get off
the phone.  The phone is in the public area mounted on a pillar where the
circ desk can see it.    

Requests to use the business line have stopped, so you may want to contact
your telephone provider and see if this is an option for you.  I would be
wary of trying to charge for use of the library's phone, since that is not
its intent and may just create more problems for you, especially assuming
your business phones are at staff desks.    

Steve Standefer
Mansfield Texas
 

-----Original Message-----
From: publib-bounces at webjunction.org [mailto:publib-bounces at webjunction.org]
On Behalf Of Isa Small
Sent: Monday, March 02, 2009 1:08 PM
To: publib at webjunction.org
Subject: [Publib] use of library phone by public

I am an assistant at a public library in Wisconsin. I would like to know how
other libraries handle patron requests to use the phone.  Although we have a
pay-phone available in the library, many patrons do not have money to use
the phone.  Many times the requests come from children and teenagers wanting
to get a ride or let a parent know where they are, but sometimes it seems as
though it is a purely social call.  Lately, this has become an issue.  Some
nights there are a dozen requests.  Also, the conversations are at times
loud and confrontational.  Is it unreasonable to charge a fee of 10 cents or
so to encourage the young patrons to make arrangements prior to coming to
the library? Or, should we continue to acquiesce all requests to use to use
the phone on the grounds that it may be the only way for the patron to
contact a safe ride home? 

Isa Small



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