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List:       publib
Subject:    Book Returns: Soapbox (fwd)
From:       Oak Lawn Public Library <jimcasey () CLASS ! ORG>
Date:       1996-04-26 21:05:58
Message-ID: Pine.3.89.9604262147.G10551-0100000 () nysernet ! org
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Sender: Oak Lawn Public Library <jimcasey@CLASS.ORG>
Subject: Re: Book Returns: Soapbox

I tend to agree with Leila Shapiro and find that my own observations 
regarding book and video drops correspond with her assessment of patron 
convenience issues.  The primary value of a public library collection is 
the practical use to which it can be put by your clientele.  While due 
precautions should be taken to guard against the possibility of arson and 
the occasional milkshake or snowball dropped down the slot, the 
convenience seems to be well worth the risk.  If book drops encourage 
busy and concientious patrons to return books on time, that can also save 
a good bit of frustration in terms of dealing with fines and overdues.

James B. Casey -- These are my own views as a public library administrator.

On Thu, 25 Apr 1996, Leila Shapiro wrote:

> Although this response make sense from a preservationist's point of view 
> it is not good customer service, nor does it take into account all of the 
> variables in the library user's life.  We try to make things as easy as 
> possible for them.  There is modest wear and tear because of book drop 
> returns plus enormous good will.  When a parent of a toddler(s) wants to 
> drop something that is due at the library while on the way to the 
> pediatrician, he or she can drive up, get rid of the book(s) and be on 
> the way withought unstrapping the child.  There are many other 
> scenarios.  We can not teach all of our customers beneficial library 
> practices, but we can try to make them happy.
> 
> 
> >         About ten years ago, someone "returned" an incendiary device into a
> > branch of Phoenix PL.  The damage was extensive, in spite of quick and
> > effective fire fighting. In another instance, a rural Arizona librarian
> > found a rattler in her book return. Violence and vandalism are increasing
> > rapidly in the U.S. and having a book return room is just asking for major
> > trouble. It's a bad idea.
> >         From a preservation perspective, books returns in general are a
> > disaster. Most library books are poorly bound, and they just cannot
> > withstand the mangling caused by book returns, no matter how <gentle> they
> > are supposed to be. Since most public library patrons return books and
> > check out new ones in the same trip, why not have a staff member or
> > volunteer available to receive the returned items? No, I don't it's asking
> > too much to require patrons to return items to a person when the library is
> > open. They can't acquire materials when the library is closed, so I don't
> > think it unreasonable to require them to return materials when the library
> > is open. The library will be safer and the books will last longer. For
> > those lazy folks who squak, explain how you are saving them money by taking
> > better care of their collections.
> >         I'm stepping off my soapbox for a while.
> > 
> > 
> > Michael McColgin                               Phone: (602) 542- 4159
> > Preservation Officer                            Fax: (602) 542- 4402
> > Arizona State Archives                      Email: mimccol@dlapr.lib.az.us
> > 1700 West Washington                      Smoke Signal: 0 oo 000 o0o0
> > Phoenix, AZ  85007
> > 
> >                    Conservators make it last longer.
> > 
> > 
> > 
> > 
> > 
> 
>             ///\\\   Leila Shapiro   ///\\\
>                Bethesda Regional Library
>                 lshapiro@capaccess.org
>              //\\  standard disclaimer  //\\
> 
> 
> 

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