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

[Beth McKinnon]

Estacada PL has a public phone in the lobby that accesses local numbers 
without charge. It will not dial long distance numbers.

Leah Griffith wrote:
>
> 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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