[Publib] Tracking problem patron issues

[Shaw, Matthew M]

I maintain a spreadsheet and enter data on security problems based on information posted on our staff web-based bulletin board. I break the posts down into columns for first name, last name, date, link to security camera photo (if available), duration of ban from library (where applicable) and other relevant data. The spreadsheet is available on all staff computers.

The main problem I have experienced is that a lot of the violators have no known name so they are listed as "unknown." Some of our interesting customers are known only by colorful nicknames  such as "Bucket Man," "Tennis Man," "Unibomber," "Cowboy," "Original Cowboy," Pittsburgh," "Santa," and "Laughing Man." When you have dozens of unknowns that is really not helpful.

The spreadsheet does make it easier to retrieve old information in the event of repeat violations.

Matt Shaw
Adult Services Librarian
Kernersville Public Library
Forsyth County Library System
130 East Mountain St.
Kernersville NC 27284
shawmm at forsyth.cc
"I hate quotations. Tell me what you know."  Ralph Waldo Emerson


Hello all,



Has anyone developed an elegant (or not) system to electronically track instances of problem patron behavior in your library that can be viewed on the staff Intranet?  We used a Filemaker database in the past, but discontinued it for cost and support reasons several years ago.  Currently we communicate information in a variety of manners:  verbally, manual departmental notebooks,  email or by placing restrictions on access when appropriate on iTeam (Internet access), or via our ILS, but our method is not consistent or particularly effective across Departments.



I am looking for ideas.



Thanks,



Deb



Deborah A. Fliegel

dfliegel at dubuque.lib.ia.us<mailto:dfliegel at dubuque.lib.ia.us>

Manager of Technical Services

Carnegie-Stout Public Library

360 West 11th Street

Dubuque, IA 52001

563-589-4243

563-589-4217 (fax)



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