For a humorous "solution" to this problem, albeit in a public law
library setting, see John Kelso's column in the 6-22-2001 Austin
American-Statesman, column B1: Ex-Clients Keep Lawyers Honest (Yeah,
Right).
excerpt: "[I]n New Braunfels, about 45 miles southwest of Austin, we
have a much better lawyer joke -- the ultimate living, breathing lawyer
joke -- in progress. People convicted of crimes who can't afford to pay
off their fines can work them off by sitting in the law library in the
Comal County Courthouse annex to make sure the lawyers don't take the
law books."
A wonderful story like this can only happen in Texas.
Priscilla M. Streightoff JD, MLIS
Law Librarian
Clark, Thomas & Winters,
A Professional Corporation
300 West 6th Street, Suite 1500
Austin, Texas 78701-3902
Phone : (512) 472-8800 x1218
Fax : (512) 474-1129 ATTN: P. Streightoff
Email : pms@ctw.com
Opinions expressed are mine.
>>> "library" <library@joneswaldo.com> 03/27/06 3:57 PM >>>
I have a "situation" and I hope someone can share some very helpful
advice.
We are a 75ish attorney firm. Our circulation system right now
consists of check out cards in the front pocket of the book. The patron
takes out the card, writes in their initials and drops it in a tray on
the counter. My assistant takes the card and puts it in a large red
"out file" and shelves that where the books should be. So if someone
needs the book, but the book is not there, then they just look at the
card to see who has the book.
Great plan
Of course we get about 50% of the patrons to actually follow this
plan.
I have attorneys come to be completely frustrated because the book is
gone - and it is not checked out. To say nothing of my assistants
frustration when she need to update a book that is gone and not checked
out.
This happened to my library partner on Friday - 5 times. I am not
kidding. He was so frustrated. He understands that it is the patron
(attorney) who is doing this - and not me. BUT he wants the library to
figure out how to get people to check the books out.
One idea is to go through offices on Friday afternoon and shelves books
that are not property checked out. I don't see that this will make me
terribly popular - and I really don't see it making people check the
books our correctly. I think it will make people hid books in their
office better.
I am really a carrot and not a stick person. I am hoping that people
might have some helpful ideas on how I can train my patrons to check out
their books.
All comments and suggestions are greatly appreciated.
Thanks!!
Cynthia
Cynthia L. Brown, Esq.
Librarian
Jones Waldo Holbrook & McDonough
170 South Main Street
Suite 1500
Salt Lake City, UT 84101
801 521 3200
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