[Libs-Or] Patron request

[Marta Murvosh]

Meg,
I'm a teen librarian in Northwestern Washington state. (I'm not speaking for my system, merely expressing my opinion. We're required to say that.) 

I think there are more appropriate ways for a librarian and library system to facilitate a book discussions and patrons connecting with each other, than leaving notes in books. 

People finding each other via a book sounds like a movie moment that would star John Cusack. In real life, it could be extremely problematic. 

Some things to ask yourself: 

- Would you let every patrons do this? As a librarians and library systems, we need to apply access equitably. So if it's OK for this patron, is it OK for the patron who is a registered sex offender to leave letters in teen books? 

- Would you allow this for every book? What about leaving notes in children's books? 

- While your patron doesn't seem to have no problem leaving her name and number for a virtual stranger, what about the patron on the receiving end? Her lack of boundaries, might creep out other patrons and be considered disruptive. (If I got a book with a note in it, I'd wonder what her racket was and if she wanted to scam me.) 

- What if either your patron or the person who ends up with the book has less honorable intentions and someone is hurt in some way, emotionally, physically or financially?  

- What if a tween or teen checks out the book and calls a complete stranger? What would the library say to that tween's parent?

As an alternative, suggest she start a book group that meets at the library or join a book group that meets at the library. 

If this title is something that everyone is talking about, maybe have a program that revolves around the book in some way and include time for people to mingle. Or maybe it's on a topic that people are talking about. 

What about hosting a program to introduce bookworms to each other? You could model it on Bainbridge Library's Speed Friending program, see BFF http://www.the-bookaneer.com/programs.html (Not my system, I just love Audrey Barbakoff's fabulous ideas.)
I hope this helps. 
All the best,
Marta
 Marta Murvosh, MLS
librarian and freelance writer
murvosh at yahoo.comLinkedin - Facebook - Website

      From: Meg Spencer <meg at siuslawlibrary.org>
 To: libs-or at listsmart.osl.state.or.us 
 Sent: Monday, March 30, 2015 5:24 PM
 Subject: [Libs-Or] Patron request
   
I just received a request from a patron who asked to leave a letter in a book she just returned (and which is on hold for another patron). In the letter, she has included her name and phone number and invites the next patron to contact her if they would like to discuss the book further. Any thoughts? Does it feel too much like it violates patron confidentiality? Or am I standing in the way of making a connection through books? 
Meg Siuslaw Public Library 



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