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Grace A. Dow Memorial Library
Grace A. Dow Memorial Library - 1710 W. St. Andrews Midland, MI 48640 Phone: 989-837-3430 Email:
gadml@midland-mi.org
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The Library Board Answers Frequently Asked Questions
Library Board members respond to a comment or concern received from library users.
November/December 2006 question:
Why are there TVs in the new Teen Room?
Answer:
The Teen Spot was recently designed, with generous support from the Friends
of the Library, as a "meeting place" for teens to read, study, talk, use
their computers, or just "hang out." Teens appreciate the TV's and we note
that when it's in use, it's pretty much a backdrop to other activity, not a
distraction. Today's teens are pretty good at multi-tasking! The televisions
are used responsibly by teens.
September/October 2006 question:
Why use email notification?
Answer:
Would you like to receive notice sooner that your requested material
is ready to be picked up or that you have an overdue item? Email
notification will notify you several days earlier than those sent by mail.
To change your account to email notification, call the Checkout Desk, at
837-3457.
For your convenience, your account is always accessible on the library's
website. Click on
My Account for items out, holds,
and outstanding charges.
July/August 2006 question:
How does the library address complaints about inappropriate material being viewed on computers?
Answer:
The Library's Internet
Acceptable Use Policy states that images or text displayed on the Internet
computer screen may be inadvertently viewed by other patrons. If a patron
feels that the viewing of this material is intentionally exposing them to
inappropriate images or text, they should notify the librarians at the
service desks. Librarians have the authority to tell a patron to clear the
screen. In compliance with the Library Privacy Act, the library does provide
filtered computers in the Youth and Adult Services area and unfiltered
computers in a designated area on the first floor. Unfiltered computers are
restricted to persons 18 years and older or to minor children accompanied by
an adult.
March/April 2006 question:
Why does the Library charge to borrow videos and DVDs?
Answer:
When the Library began offering videos many years ago, videos were expensive to purchase. In order to provide a collection without impacting the book budget, a charge was instituted that funded the purchase of videos. The money collected from video/DVD rentals continues to provide a revenue source for the Library that contributes to financing Library services. The funds are still used to purchase videos and DVDs rather than reducing the book and materials budget to offer this service.
The rental charge has not been increased over the years but the length of time that a video/DVD can be borrowed has gone from 3 days to 7 days.
March/April Library Connection Newsletter
January/February 2006 question:
Why can't files be downloaded and uploaded on the Library computers?
Answer:
To allow patrons to use these saving devices would be putting the Library computers at greater risk for viruses. The staff will continue exploring solutions that do not compromise the security of the network and will allow use of saving devices. In the meantime, please consider e-mailing your documents to yourself allowing you to open them at home.
November/December 2005 question:
Can the Library provide color printers for the public computers?
Answer:
Good question! In the past, color printers were discontinued due to the high cost of color cartridges and the excessive waste of discarded pages. Library staff is working towards implementing a new print management system that will allow patrons to select color or black and white copies. With this system, users will pay different rates for their copies first and then pick up their printed pages. The system will be operational for black and white copies this fall; color printers will be added at a later date.
September/October 2005 question:
Why can't we have more time on the computers?
Answer:
The Library's 22 public computers are heavily used. In the fall, two computers will be added to the Teen Spot. Demand makes it necessary to restrict use to one hour per person per day in order to allow use by the greatest number of people. A time management program has been installed and when fully operational will allow limited extended sessions during lower demand periods. The Library is planning future wireless Internet access so users with laptops and the required hardware can "log on" at their convenience.
July/August 2005 question:
Can the library provide a drive-up book drop?
Answer:
The Library Board and staff will be investigating the feasibility and cost of this request. Solutions suggested to date do not address the issues that must be resolved. There are over 2,000 items returned each day. Without regularly emptying the book drop, it could easily overfill, resulting in theft or damage to materials. Weather conditions and the physical demands of transporting books into the library are also a concern. Building and parking lot changes would be necessary to develop a drive-up book drop that empties into the library. The Board will consider options and financial implications and make that information available. To avoid congestion in the parking lot when returning materials, we encourage patrons to use the 5-minute parking spots provided.
May/June 2005 question:
Can something be done about patrons using cell phones in the Library and in the Coffee Bar? It can be very distracting when people talk loudly on their phones.
Answer:
Cell phones can make life easier and more connected, but they can also be distracting. The Library does not ban cell phones as they are a part of many people's lives and are often a necessity. We would like to suggest that when a patron needs to use their cell phone, they go outside or move to an area of the Library where their conversation will not intrude on other patrons. While in the library, please put cell phones on vibrate and keep voices low.
March/April 2005 question:
Can the Library notify patrons by email when their materials are due or sooner when they are overdue, instead of waiting until they are 7 days overdue?
Answer:
Excellent question! Presently, patrons are notified by email, phone or U.S. mail to alert them of any overdue materials. Regardless of the method of notification, the library's computer system can only be set to generate the different notices at the same time. Email notification is a minimal cost but waiting 7 days after the materials are due provides a substantial savings in phone and mailing costs. Over 2,000 items are borrowed and returned every day. Many patrons also take advantage of the 4-day grace period (on most Items) to return their materials before a fine occurs so earlier notification is not cost effective.
View
Board "Did you Know?"
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