[WEB4LIB] Re: Headphones

[Phalbe Henriksen]

My replies to various comments, none of which have offended me:

1. For those of you *not* in public libraries with Gates Foundation 
computers: These computers have an extension cord for the headphones and a 
splitter(?) so that two headphones can be plugged in to each computer. They 
require mini-plugs. We were sent 8 headphones for the four computers. We 
keep these headphones plugged in all the time, and, if people don't want to 
use them, they just stay at the back of the computer tables. (Therefore, 
there's no handing them to patrons involved, signing them out, or even 
talking about them, unless patrons ask. That's efficient for the 
circulation staff.)

2. The plastic sandwich bags are to keep the *headphones* clean. It is the 
responsibility of the patrons to ask for new sandwich bags if they're 
concerned about cleanliness. That saves work for the circulation clerks and 
keeps them from having to make decisions about when, how much, etc. And 
relieves them of the burden of guilt if someone gets germs, lice, or 
anything else. It also protects the material the headphones are made of.

3. The library that used the alcohol "towelettes" also gave the patron 
responsibility for cleaning the headphones. If the patron didn't care, then 
he/she didn't have to do anything. If they were concerned, *they* did the 
work. Again, that saves work for the circulation clerks.

4. Rubbing alcohol contains a *lot* of water. I wouldn't want to wet the 
headphones over and over with alcohol.

5. I consider it very bad service to respond to a patron who voices concern 
about cleanliness by saying "then bring your own headphones." If a patron 
has come to the library searching for information, and the best source 
happens to be on the internet and includes sound, I feel as if we are under 
obligation to make that resource available to the patron, whatever it 
takes. (We don't require that patrons bring their own magnifying glass for 
reading small print, either.)

Phalbe Henriksen