[WEB4LIB] Blocking Cell Phones

[Kyle Banerjee]

> >One problem that needs to be addressed is the public's using cell phones
to
> >make and receive phone calls in the library.  This public librarian would
LOVE
> >to have a device that would prevent people from using cell phones in the
> >facility. It also seems that cell phone users feel they must speak loudly
in
> >order to be heard by the person they're talking to.
>
> Such devices do exist, however they are illegal in the US.

    Even if not illegal, implementing something like this could have
undesirable side effects such as disabling other wireless functions,
interfering with operation of medical devices, or preventing emergency
communications.

    Maybe an easier way to deal with this is to have a designated place for
people to call from. My guess is that most people would be happy to go to
the designated area to make calls. To make these areas even more attractive,
mini telephone booths (not fully enclosed, just a box-like enclosure to talk
into as is often done with payphones) could be provided. This would be dirt
cheap and keep people who need to call someone for a ride (or just want to
yak) and the reading public separate.

kyle

***********************************************
Kyle Banerjee
Oregon State Library
250 Winter ST
Salem, OR 97310-0640
(503)378-4243 ext. 260
kyle.banerjee at state.or.us