My Library Lends e-readers, rathern than e-books

[JSWolf]

Originally Posted by queentess

Yeah, I had multiple issues with one of my local libraries. I ended up logging official "find it" forms, and they had to search the whole library system for the books I knew I'd returned. They found all but one, and ended up dropping the fine on that one, giving me the benefit of the doubt because of all the other ones they'd found. I got in the habit of waiting in line and asking them to check in the books while I watched. Didn't have any more issues after that, but the ladies working didn't seem to like that.

And it got old, waiting in line twice (or carrying a heavy load of books around with me while browsing), so I've now switched to a different local library. They didn't check in one of my books on Friday, but I caught this one right away and they found it before it was sent out to another library... I've never worked in a library, but seriously, how hard is it to take a whole pile of books and check them in????

I've had problems of things not being checked in properly. Had to have them hunt for something I know I returned and the system said I still had checked out. Turns out it was sent to the wrong library. So I had to wait until it was delivered to the correct library.

I don't worry about it all that much. I just drop off and go about my business. I figure if they make the mistake, I'll call them on it and it'll eventually get sorted.

[mldavis2]

Originally Posted by queentess

I got in the habit of waiting in line and asking them to check in the books while I watched. Didn't have any more issues after that, but the ladies working didn't seem to like that.

Many apparent 'librarians' are just helpers or even volunteers. There is, however, no excuse for being rude to a legitimate customer request. I've seen this in other lines of work and especially in those establishments where there is no competition. They have nothing to lose unless a superior happens to catch wind of the attitude. It takes mere moments to check in a book, and libraries need to ramp up on their public relations skills and employee awareness of same as they fight for continued funding and attendance.

[SeaBookGuy]

Originally Posted by dixieknits

My library and the next county up from me offer the "book-in-a-box" or Play-Away books. It's a small cassette player built in to a box, the size of an old cassette tape more or less. The user inserts his own AAA battery and headphones and the control are on the back. I like them alot. Each provides, speed control, volume, stop and place memory. Our library is starting to get a very large collection.

Play Away are embedded mp3 copies of a book, not a cassette player.