Well, in the 7 1/2 years that I've been librarian we haven't needed posted library rules. However, becuase of an incident that happened today, my boss wants me to come up with a list of rules. Before I reinvent the wheel, does anyone have a list that they use in their library?
You need to be a member of Church Librarians Network to add comments!
Replies
Libraries may need to develop policies to address user behavior that interferes with others’ use and enjoyment of the library, such as: 1) Food and drink are not permitted in the library. 2) In order to maintain a quiet environment for research and study, phone conversations should be held in other areas. Guests are welcome to make and accept phone calls in the hall. 3) Young children must be accompanied by an adult. Is this the type of thing you need? You can add to it according to your circumstances.
Rhonda Rolen
Yes, that is exactly the sort of thing. Thank you.
We don't really have any specific rules in our library and I can't think of any isues which have made us think we needed to post any. It's kind of understood that people don't leave their toddlers alone in there to create mayhem, I guess...
As far as the kinds of noise issues that were mentioned...our library doesn't have any 'hang-out' space in it, so I don't think anyone would want to make their phone calls there...
Now I see what Susan meant. That is amazing. I have not had those types of problems yet. Let's see what others add to this discussion.I wonder how academic and public libraries handle such situations.
I think that given that this was a one time incident that any response other than the sign is a bit of an overreaction. But, it will help, when the discussion bomes up with my boss again, to have more points of view.
I think the list of rules is an overreaction and could possibly make people feel unwelcome. I'm assuming there are not lists of rules upon entering the sanctuary or Sunday school classrooms. I think it would be better to just address problems as they arise by politely speaking with the individual.
I have a hunch this week is VBS for a lot of us. Give us more time to respond. No, rules are normal, but we don't call them rules. Some librarians call them policies. We call them practices. I am attaching ours. We live in the day that our churches are unique so the library policies or rules or practices are unique.
FHBC EC Practices brochure
Search the word Policies to find some previous discussions.
Great discussion topic, Susan!
Thanks for sharing your Practices Brochure! I really love how detailed and user friendly it is put together!
Thanks Moree. We had VBS earlier this month so I didn't think about how busy everyone else might be. I was looking at what you send and I actually have a policies and procedures manual t hat I wrote my first year here. This is something different. My boss was asking about behavoir rules that would be posted in the library. It was initiated by a few things, but primarily by a man who was disruptive not just in the library recently with repeated cell phone use but to the entire building once he stepped outside. At one point he was so loud that he was outside and we could hear him in the lobby. I did make a no cell phone use in the library sign....
Since no one is responded, are rules in a Church library unusual? If so, this would be a great thing to be able to tell my boss.