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List:       publib
Subject:    [PUBLIB] Name Tags (fwd)
From:       plib2 () webjunction ! org (PUBLIB)
Date:       2002-12-29 14:07:07
Message-ID: Pine.GSO.4.10.10212291107050.12511-100000 () webjunction ! org
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Sender: "Diedre Conkling" <diedrec@charter.net>
Subject: Name Tags

I have been thinking about name tags because it is a rainy day here on the
Oregon Coast.  Why else would one think about name tags.  What I am
wondering is this, what is the purpose of the name tag?  Is the purpose to
identify the individual, the library position or that the person is a
library staff member?

If it is to identify the position and that someone works in the library the
answer is easily a name tag with only the position on it.

If it is to identify that someone works in the library it could be any kind
of tag.  How about something creative using your library logo.

If it is to identify the person then all of the name issues arise.  I wore a
name badge for years with my full name on it and did not personally have a
problem with that.  I liked having something that identified me as a library
staff member so that as I wandered around the stacks people would know that
I was someone working there that they might ask to help them.  I would make
it a point, when not swamped at the reference desk, to walk around the
stacks every 15 minutes or so in hopes that people would recognize that I
really was there to help them.  A name plate at the desk might not have
worked as well for this activity.

I have had the unfortunate experience of being stalked so am aware of the
concerns people have with displaying their name.  However, the stalking
occurred from events away from the library setting.  Those of you who know
me would be surprised that I would be someone that anyone would stalk--so
you just never know.  It is an experience that spurred me on to carrying a
cell phone.

I now no longer have anything but cell phones and a cable connection for the
computer (but that is because I had a disagreement with the phone company).
One of my cell phone numbers is the emergency number listed on our answering
machine, so it is pretty public.  It just isn't connected with an address.
I just wanted to add this incase some of you might think I was being
insensitive to peoples' fears about displaying their names.  Hey, on top of
that who hasn't been invited out to have coffee by the guy who sees black
helicopters on the roof of the near by shopping center?  That happens even
without a name tag.  Life at the public service desk in a library can be
interesting.;-)


Diedre Conkling

     Lincoln County Library District
     P.O. Box 2027, Newport, OR  97365
     Phone & Fax:  541/265-3066
     Work:  diedre@mail.crsn.lib.or.us
     Home:  diedrec@charter.net


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