[WEB4LIB] RE: Headphones -- revisited

[Ilene Frank (REF)]

On Wed, 18 Apr 2001, Daniel Messer wrote:

> "Ilene Frank (REF)" <ifrank at dudley.lib.usf.edu> said:
>
> >
> > Daniel, just one little thing about cleanliness and whether or not we're
> > obsessed:  While some germs and bacteria might not matter to you
> > personally, it could be a problem for someone with HIV, someone undergoing
> > chemotherapy, someone with leukemia, etc. I'm not sure about the efficacy
> > of cleaning headphones per se, but it might be worth considering the
> > impact that might have on users who aren't in the greatest of health.
> >
>
> Okay, first off let's talk about my non-obsession with germs on a personal
> basis. Number one I'm a hemophiliac, type A mild. Number two I'm Hepatitis C
> positive. During the mid 80s I went through a barrage of tests and blood
> drawings to make sure that I wasn't one of the hemophiliacs in America who
> wound up like Ryan White and infected with HIV through blood transfusion and
> whole blood products. So let's be honest, I'm VERY considerate of the impact
> of germs and their impact on people's health.
>
> What I was trying to get across is that you are NOT and CANNOT create a clean
> and sterile environment in a public place. Libraries are no exceptions. If
> you're going to worry about cleanliness in the library in regards to
> headphones, then you're looking at the wrong thing. How many people use
> headphones and you're worried about cleaning it? Now how many people use the
> BOOKS in the library? Do you always clean the books after they come back? Do
> you sterilize every page and clean the covers? I worked in circulation for
> years before taking my current position. In my experience, I'd wash my hands
> at least once an hour because they'd be filthy from handling the books.
>
> Once again, nothing personal towards anyone. But if the idea came across that
> I don't consider the health of those not in the greatest of health, I want to
> smack that down immediately. I myself am not in the greatest of health. But I
> have a decent immune system if for no other reason than I don't try to avoid
> all germs. Trying to avoid all germs and live a clean life simply doesn't
> work. Don't believe me? Ask Howard Hughes. :)
>
> Thanks!
> Dan
>
>
>
>

-- 
Ilene Frank, Reference Dept.
Tampa Campus Library, LIB 122
University of South Florida, Tampa FL 33620
ifrank at lib.usf.edu        Work 813.974.2483
http://www.lib.usf.edu/~ifrank/