[Libs-Or] public library telephone use-what's your policy?

[Carol Ventgen]

After lots of abuse of a liberal policy, mostly by teens, we changed our policy several years ago to allow use of library phones in an emergency only. However, we do encourage kids to ask for rides home by offering to place a call requesting a ride for them, without allowing the patron to actually use the phone. It has worked out well and this service is used. We do also have a pay phone.

Carol Ventgen

From: leah.griffith at ci.newberg.or.us
To: librarybusiness at yahoo.com; libs-or at listsmart.osl.state.or.us
Date: Mon, 29 Dec 2008 09:05:41 -0800
Subject: Re: [Libs-Or] public library telephone use-what's your policy?
















We don’t have a pay phone either at Newberg.   We basically do
the same thing, asking people to limit their calls to the need for a ride or
other quick situation.   We haven’t had a huge problem with it and find it to
be both a customer service as well as a safety issue as most of those who use
the phone are kids calling for rides. 

 

Leah 

******************************

Leah M. Griffith 

Director,   Newberg Public Library 

 



From:
libs-or-bounces at listsmart.osl.state.or.us
[mailto:libs-or-bounces at listsmart.osl.state.or.us] On Behalf Of dan
cawley

Sent: Friday, December 26, 2008 9:50 AM

To: libs-or at listsmart.osl.state.or.us

Subject: [Libs-Or] public library telephone use-what's your policy?



 


 
  
  
  our new library does not have a pay telephone.  the
  nearest land-line is across the street at the swimming
  pool.  it's not uncommon for patrons to request use of
  the library telephone.  
  
  
   
  
  
  our unofficial policy is this:
  
  
   
  
  
  we dial the number, hand over the receiver, and ask
  that the conversation be limited to 60 seconds.
  
  
   
  
  
  there is disagreement among the staff if this is a service
  the public library should provide.
  
  
   
  
  
  what is your policy on patron use of library
  telephones?  also, if you have a policy forbidding library telephone
  use, when do you make an exception?
  
  
   
  
  
  we serve a population of around 7,000.  our old
  library was something out of mayberry r.f.d. we have a reputation
  of providing exceptional customer service.  however, the new facility is
  much, much busier and, consequently, we find the need to rethink some of
  our previous policies.
  
  
   
  
  
  any and all input is appreciated...
  
  
   
  
  
  dan cawley
  
  
  seaside public library 
  
  
   
  
  
 


 


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