[Libs-Or] Helping patrons without internet access (or the million dollar question)

Fri Apr 10 10:42:48 PDT 2020

Thank you to everyone who responded!

This patron did not have any mobile device or computer when I followed-up.

In this case we decided to mail the documents, the number of pages was not unreasonable. We’ve decided to try allowing patrons one “reasonable” mail request per week, at no charge. We’ll see how that goes - we had our second mail request today from another patron.

It’s good to know that for some patrons we may be able to suggest other options like local libraries or schools for outside WiFi, faxes if accessible, or in some cases FedEx stores might still have computers accessible.

~Lee

Lee Van Duzer (Mr.), Law Librarian
Washington County Law Library
111 NE Lincoln St., MS 45
Hillsboro, OR 97124

Phone: 503-846-8880
Fax: 503-846-3515
http://www.co.washington.or.us/lawlibrary
http://www.facebook.com/WC.LawLib

From: Nelson, Julie <julien at sthelens.k12.or.us>
Sent: Friday, April 10, 2020 8:59 AM
To: Kathy Street <kstreet at otld.org>
Cc: Sue Adams <suea at multco.us>; Lee Van Duzer <Lee_Van_Duzer at co.washington.or.us>; libs-or at listsmart.osl.state.or.us
Subject: [BULK*] Re: [Libs-Or] Helping patrons without internet access (or the million dollar question)
Importance: Low

If your patron has a computer...
Our schools have internet access available in the parking lot from 6:00am - 10:00pm.  Possibly your area is offering the same.

On Fri, Apr 10, 2020 at 8:53 AM Kathy Street <kstreet at otld.org<mailto:kstreet at otld.org>> wrote:
All of those are good suggestions for area that aren’t rural. In our area there are no FedEx stores, hotel lobbies are closed to non-customers for COVID-19 and hospitals are only allowing patients to enter the buildings.

Kathy Street, MLS
Library Director
Oregon Trail Library District
541-481-3365

From: Libs-Or [mailto:libs-or-bounces at listsmart.osl.state.or.us<mailto:libs-or-bounces at listsmart.osl.state.or.us>] On Behalf Of Sue Adams
Sent: Thursday, April 9, 2020 7:58 PM
To: Lee Van Duzer <Lee_Van_Duzer at co.washington.or.us<mailto:Lee_Van_Duzer at co.washington.or.us>>
Cc: libs-or at listsmart.osl.state.or.us<mailto:libs-or at listsmart.osl.state.or.us>
Subject: Re: [Libs-Or] Helping patrons without internet access (or the million dollar question)

Lee, does your patron not have a computer?

FedEx stores have computers that can be used, for a fee. Printing is available. I would suggest your patron call ahead to check. Also hotels often have one or two computers for customers to use and print, perhaps under the circumstances today, a kind employee would let you patron use. I've also seen resource computers at hospitals.

Another reason why libraries are so important!

Sue

On Monday, April 6, 2020, Lee Van Duzer <Lee_Van_Duzer at co.washington.or.us<mailto:Lee_Van_Duzer at co.washington.or.us>> wrote:
Hello all,

Has anyone found options to help patrons who don’t have internet access but need to see the online or print materials?

I had a patron call with a legal question, and it’s not something I can just read over the phone. They have been unable to get legal assistance. I imagine many library patrons are struggling without internet access. I figured I’d see if/how any other librarians are addressing this need.

Thanks,

~Lee

Lee Van Duzer (Mr.), Law Librarian
Washington County Law Library
111 NE Lincoln St<https://www.google.com/maps/search/111+NE+Lincoln+St?entry=gmail&source=g>., MS 45
Hillsboro, OR 97124

Phone: 503-846-8880
Fax: 503-846-3515
http://www.co.washington.or.us/lawlibrary
http://www.facebook.com/WC.LawLib

--
Sue Adams
On-call Librarian
Multnomah County Library
multcolib.org<http://multcolib.org>

[Image removed by sender.]

--
Thank you,
Julie Nelson, M.Ed.
Teacher/Librarian
McBride Elementary
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