[Publib] use of library phone by public

[Marla]

We used to have the same situation (things have changed so we don't do this anymore).

We would make the phone call for the patron, especially if it was a child.  The patron gave 
staff the phone# and then staff relayed the message, etc.  This really cut down on the purely 
social and nonemergency calls.

Usually to relay a message only took a minute or two out of our time.

BYE!

Marla/Acquisitions
Great Falls Public Library
301 2nd Ave N
Great Falls MT  59401-2593
mwilckens at greatfallslibrary.org



On 2 Mar 2009 at 13:08, Isa Small wrote:

> 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

> 


^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

The beatings will continue until morale improves.
             The Management