lavvendermenace: twostepsfromtemerant:citylightscomebackinjune:davidhuyck:rosalarian:queenqu
lavvendermenace: twostepsfromtemerant: citylightscomebackinjune: davidhuyck: rosalarian: queenquong: gingerpermission: standbyyourmantis: edwardspoonhands: myowndeliverance: necclibrary: YES. I once saw someone point out something I hadn’t really considered before- libraries are one of the only places that are warm and dry where you can stay for long periods of time if you have no money. If you’re someone with nowhere to go during the daytime, they provide a safe environment in which to keep a roof over your head for a while- and all while you can access information. So yes. This. It’s weird…libraries almost feel /wrong/ now. It’s like I walk in and think “This is great…where do I put my money?” I used to work on a campus library and if you want someplace to put your money, so to speak, make sure you put books back in the designated areas. I know you think you’re being helpful by reshelving, but even if you pull something out to read a couple paragraphs just stick it in the basket for things you didn’t want. I don’t care if you know EXACTLY where you are. In academic libraries (at least in Texas) our funding was determined by how many books people looked at. So we got additional funding based on books not being reshelved. If there’s a designated shelf/basket for things you don’t want, stick things in it! What @standbyyourmantis said about not reshelving is true for public libraries, too. Our funding is dictated largely by how ‘used’ we are, so we scan all the items that are laying about as In House Use. That, tied with Reference Count and Door Counter numbers (we have to manually put in the time we take for references) to prove we’re providing a needed service.We also have to count the number of people who come for our programs, which not only helps funding but shows that the programming/services are needed, as well.So, basically, if you want to feel like you’re making sure we’re getting paid and staying around, keep these in mind. I didn’t know that’s why you’re not supposed to reshelf! Wow! That’s astounding! LIBRARIES!!! I’ve lost how many times I get asked about how much it costs to get a library card. It’s free. Everything is free unless it’s late or you lose an item. Free. Free. Free. Free. Late fees sometimes aren’t even all that big. The library I work at charges 5 cents a day and caps the fine on one item at $2. And you have to have over $50 before we suspend your account. Support your local libraries Also, also. There’s recently been a small but growing movement to get rid of late fees/fines altogether. There are quite a few libraries in the US that no longer fine patrons for late returns. The idea behind it is based on the fact that low-income patrons can feel more welcome and not have to worry about being charged if they choose to open a library account. Libraries just want to provide information access and it is such an amazing institution. Support your local library! -- source link