Book-Issuing Rules At Public Library

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30094, 30 March 1963, Page 20

Book-Issuing Rules At Public Library

By following the notices at each issuing point in the Canterbury Public Library, borrowers could present their books in the order designed to give them the best advantage from their entitlement, said the City Librarian (Mr R. N. O'Reilly) when replying to a correspondent of “The Press.” One of three questions addressed to Mr O'Reilly by the correspondent, “Double Sub.” was; “Why is there not a notice placed in the library to the effect that the first books- presented for checking out are counted as the free ones? Thus, if a holder of a double subscripi tion presents a 9d and two 6d books in that order he will have to pay Is. If he presents two fid books and a 9d book in that order it only costs 9d.” After commenting that notices were displayed, Mr O’Reilly said that “P” items (rental saved through subscription, 6d each) were presented first and “P-star” <9d) ; next. The “P” and “P-star” v/ere clearly shown on the book pockets from which particulars of the loan were recorded. The correspondent’s other questions and Mr O’Reilly's replies were:— “Is it the policy of the staff to answer with rudeness every question asked by a subscriber? —Cases of rudeness are investigated as soon as reported, either to the librarian in charge of lending or to the deputy-librarian or myself.

"What is the average number of books returned daily? —This normally varies between 2000 and 3500. depending on the day of the week (Tuesday and Friday most, Wednesday and Thursday least) and season of the year (from now to August most). The pattern is, however, disturbed by holidays, Easter week-end producing the highest peaks.” Mr O’Reilly added that the figures were the highest for any library in New Zealand, including others with more staff. Thus, the staff was generally under considerable pressure, he said, “and it might be pertinent to observe that questions should not be directed to the staff at the returns and issues counters—if only out of deference to other borrowers awaiting attention—but to those at the inquiries desk.”