tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1753713503760949195.post8589886375100517535..comments2023-08-28T06:21:55.751-04:00Comments on Stacking Up: A Blog for the Modern Librarian: Patrons, Computers, and the Red Tape In-BetweenLea Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11867337774792345543noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1753713503760949195.post-14183365379582037472011-04-04T19:43:34.378-04:002011-04-04T19:43:34.378-04:00That's how some of the branches do it where I ...That's how some of the branches do it where I am from too-- at least using this system, patrons can always get on. Some of the inner-city branches are a lot stricter though. I usually just do my best to get patrons on the computers if they need them no matter what the "rule" is!Lea Christinehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11867337774792345543noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1753713503760949195.post-80161581313647955212011-04-02T11:38:38.930-04:002011-04-02T11:38:38.930-04:00At my library, we have two options for patrons tha...At my library, we have two options for patrons that don't have a library card and/or have high fines:<br /><br />1. A free 15-minute pass (1 pass per day)<br />2. Pay $1 for 60-minute pass (1 pass per day)<br /><br />This "rule" seems to keep our patrons happy enough.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1753713503760949195.post-29989696806845543882011-04-01T09:43:19.013-04:002011-04-01T09:43:19.013-04:00I'm not sure if the branch manager was trying ...I'm not sure if the branch manager was trying to make it tricky for patrons to get on (I don't think he was) or was just explaining things to me in a really confusing way-- because after the dozen situations he gave me with patrons coming up and asking to use the computer, I was just like, huh? <br /><br />I know that some librarians are pretty religious about that 60 minute time limit-- if no one else is waiting to use a computer, I don't even think twice about giving them some extra time. <br /><br />And no, computer usage should have nothing to do with the status of patron accounts- which is why I don't see the big deal in giving out patrons card numbers with proper I.D., since that way they don't have to keep coming up and asking us for guest passes. It's not like they can check out new materials with just their number anyways!<br /><br />The whole issue of getting patrons' accounts paid down is a whole other issue-- there are many who go into collections at the city branches, and we try our best to work out payment plans with them so they can still check out limited materials as long as they're paying SOMETHING on their card regularly.Lea Christinehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11867337774792345543noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1753713503760949195.post-11105294328099748122011-03-31T21:50:18.909-04:002011-03-31T21:50:18.909-04:00We only have one computer and we don't require...We only have one computer and we don't require any form of ID to use it. They just have to let us know they're using the computer so we know when to start timing them. They get an hour, but if no one is waiting to use the computer then we really don't care if they stay on for as long as they want. <br /><br />I know the main branch has more rules, but I'm not sure what they are. I know their computers log people off automatically after an hour. I guess I support the bare minimum restrictions that still allow the library to operate efficiently and in the best interests of patrons as a whole. That line will probably vary library by library. <br /><br />I don't really see why their fines status should affect their internet use. The point of fines is to make sure people bring their materials back, or to reimburse the library if they don't bring them back. I don't really see how internet use factors into that outside of punishment, and is it really our job to punish people? I don't think so. We should get the money owed (and we can go through collections if necessary), but that's just business, not punishment.Small Reviewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16072352095510905410noreply@blogger.com