Bedford Public Library Policy
I. POLICY
The Bedford Public Library System will not accept incoming telephone calls for library patrons or confirm their presence in the library.
Library patrons are expected to be courteous in the use of cell phones in the library.
II. APPLICABILITY
All library patrons, adults and children.
III. OBJECTIVE
To protect our patrons right to privacy and for their safety and security, personal information will not be made available over the telephone.
To provide an environment that is comfortable but conducive to study, patrons are asked to minimize noise from cell phones and pagers.
IV. PROCEDURES
If a caller asks for verification or to speak to someone in the library, staff will:
- Ask for a number where the caller can be reached, along with the name and description of the person they are seeking;
- Tell the caller that you cannot be sure of locating the person but if the person is located, you will deliver the message;
- Attempt to locate the person and deliver the message if workflow allows; or
- Keep the information at the desk in case the person comes to the desk.
Use of cell phones in the library
- Library patrons are expected to use a quiet voice in brief cell phone conversations, if the conversation is disturbing others, the library patron should be asked continue the conversation outside the library.
- If a cell phone ringing or pager is distracting or disturbing others, the library patron should be asked to use the silent signal function or turn the audible signal to the lowest volume.
IV. EXCEPTIONS
Staff, volunteers, official visitors or speakers may receive phone calls.
In the event of an emergency, staff may take additional steps to locate a library patron for a phone call.
