[Publib] use of library phone by public

[Pat Wike]

Approximately one year ago we installed an armored coinless phone in
response to the high demand from patrons to use the phones on the
circulation and reference desks.  The phone is programmed to only allow
local calls and the time limit is 3 minutes.  Calls cannot be extended and
we installed it in the gallery of the library away from the service desks.
The phone is stainless steel and custodial staff clean it once a day. We
have a small sign on it letting patrons know to dial 9 first and it clearly
states the time limit.  The public and the staff appreciate the phone.

Pat Wike
Building Manager
Winter Haven Public Library
Kathryn L. Smith Memorial
325 Avenue A, NW
Winter Haven, FL 33881
863-291-5880
pwike at mywinterhaven.com



-----Original Message-----
From: publib-bounces at webjunction.org [mailto:publib-bounces at webjunction.org]
On Behalf Of Rawles-Heiser, Carolyn
Sent: Monday, March 02, 2009 2:42 PM
To: publib at webjunction.org
Subject: RE: [Publib] use of library phone by public

Just another twist on this--we had a parent let us know that his
daughter had used our pay phone to call him collect (locally) for a ride
home.  The phone call cost them I think around $15.00.   At that point
we decided we would allow kids to call home for a ride but step in if
the call got long or loud.    This really doesn't happen all that much
any more anyway since so many people (inc kids) have cell phones.   Just
thought you should be aware of the exorbitant charges that can come from
a seemingly local call from a pay phone!
Carolyn
Carolyn Rawles-Heiser
Library Director
Corvallis--Benton County Public Library
645 NW Monroe Ave.
Corvallis, OR  97330


-----Original Message-----
From: publib-bounces at webjunction.org
[mailto:publib-bounces at webjunction.org] On Behalf Of Marla
Sent: Monday, March 02, 2009 11:29 AM
To: publib at webjunction.org
Subject: Re: [Publib] use of library phone by public



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