[LIBRARYDIR] public patrons in your libraries

Wed Feb 21 08:27:49 PST 2018

Hi Cheyenne,

We do allow the public to use our library.  They need to behave in an orderly fashion.  If they become a problem, we call Security.  There have been people trespassed by the college for their inappropriate actions in the library and on campus.  We do not require that all visitors check in with Security unless they need a parking pass.  Visitors can park in visitor parking without a pass.  No pass is needed for parking anywhere after 5 p.m.

We don't see many homeless transients because they tend to be downtown, but sometimes they find their way to our campus.  We host a huge, multi-agency, homeless event every year in the first part of September to provide services so it is a wonder that we don't see more.  On the other hand, many of our students may be homeless.  I'm sure they are.  We've even had long-time community borrowers become homeless.  That was really painful.  I know your question isn't necessarily about homeless visitors and I don't mean to imply that they are more of a problem, but they often have more needs for services than we can provide.

All our computers require log-ins, but we provide guest credentials when asked.  One of our employees will log the guest onto the computer so the guest never sees our logins and passwords.  We will provide guest credentials several times (not an exact number of times) before suggesting they pay for a card.  If someone wants to check out materials, of course, they need to purchase a card ($20/year, but can be divided into quarters).  When guests (community borrowers) pay for a card, they get a set of guidelines.

You make a valid point:  how do occasional visitors learn about the library guidelines?  We do not have anything posted so unless they go to the library website and look for our policies, they probably don't know.  We have a policy about Disruptive Behavior posted there.  I have attached the letter we give new community borrowers.

Mindy

Mindy Coslor, Ph.D.
Director of Library Services
Skagit Valley College
360.416.7761

From: LIBRARYDIR [mailto:librarydir-bounces at lists.ctc.edu] On Behalf Of Roduin, Cheyenne
Sent: Tuesday, February 20, 2018 1:34 PM
To: WACTC Library Directors <librarydir at lists.ctc.edu>
Subject: [LIBRARYDIR] public patrons in your libraries

Hello all,
I was wondering if you allow the general public to use your library spaces and/or resources and what sorts of guidelines you might have. I know some of your colleges actually have public patrons who have borrowing privileges. But I am more interested in how you monitor or handle public patrons, especially from a security perspective. Do your visitors have to check in somewhere or are they aware of the use guidelines in your library? We seem to be seeing an uptick in "troubled" individuals using our spaces, especially in the evening, and they are creeping us out a bit. Any information you could share would be appreciated.

Thanks

Cheyenne M. Roduin
Library Director
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3000 NE 4th St. Renton, WA 98056
Phone: 425-235-2352, ext. 5571
Email: croduin at RTC.edu<mailto:croduin at RTC.edu>
www.RTC.edu<http://www.rtc.edu/>

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