[Publib] use of library phone by public

[Melissa K. Davidson]

We have this happen too. One aspect that we took into consideration is
that this was the telephone we use to handle incoming calls therefore it
should not be tied up. Also all staff need to abide by the same rule or
else, well you know how that goes.

You could have an emergency fund to give people money to use the pay
phone in emergencies but I feel that the library phone needs to be
reserved for business and not personal (patron) use.

Melissa Davidson
Adult Services Librarian
Staunton Public Library
1 Churchville Ave.
Staunton, VA 24401
540.332.3902
www.stauntonlibrary.org
<http://www.staunton.va.us/default.asp?pageid=48BD7E6B-787C-49EE-A7C1-8D
D714653A32> 



-----Original Message-----
From: publib-bounces at webjunction.org
[mailto:publib-bounces at webjunction.org] On Behalf Of Isa Small
Sent: Monday, March 02, 2009 2:08 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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