[OPLINLIST] Offensive Odor

[Bill Martino]

So our patrons stink

And we've got no dough

Such is life in the land of O

 

A part of my life

Since I was born

Now with filters to block porn

 

A bastion of speech

Both free and unwise

But no chance for a profit without selling French fries

 

Lampooned by the liberals

Vilified by the right

No wonder Jim Beam helps me sleep through the night

 

Still it was my choice

And I chose this career

To help out mankind in the "silent" frontier

 

Now that's all that I have

And I'm sorry to say

That the smell is really from that reference guy Ray

 

 

Bill Martino

Executive Director

Northeast Ohio Regional Library System

 

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From: oplinlist-bounces at oplin.org [mailto:oplinlist-bounces at oplin.org]
On Behalf Of Georgiana Huizenga
Sent: Wednesday, January 13, 2010 12:58 PM
To: Susan Pieper; OPLINLIST
Subject: Re: [OPLINLIST] Offensive Odor

 

Sometimes it's not even a question of cleanliness.  We have a patron who
smells very strongly of garlic...I think that he must chew it or
something.  Sometimes it is so strong that it actually makes your eyes
water when you check him out.  The "smelly patron" will always be a
problem, I guess.

Georgi Huizenga, Harris-Elmore Public Library

	----- Original Message ----- 

	From: Susan Pieper <mailto:susanhillpieper at gmail.com>  

	To: oplinlist at oplin.org 

	Sent: Tuesday, January 12, 2010 2:15 PM

	Subject: [OPLINLIST] Offensive Odor

	 

	Hello All!

	I know this has been discussed, but I'm opening up a fresh
window -- so to speak -- on the situation of patrons who haven't bathed
or washed clothes, etc. in a long while. I know that urban libraries are
no stranger to this dilemma, but here in rural land, we "know" most our
patrons and want to avoid embarrassment for all involved.

	 

	Here is our latest issue:

	A male patron comes in with his kids. His odor is so bad that
many staff simply cannot wait on him without gagging. Other patrons have
complained. The elevator and library smells horrible for almost 30
minutes after he leaves. This gentleman is the only one left of his
brothers that isn't in prison for a felony. He doesn't stay long enough
at a location to have the water turned on. 

	 

	Do you think this would work:?

	I want to have a generic "memo" on hand that states that
although we appreciate the patronage of all our patrons, we do have a
policy in place to ensure the quality of the library experience for all
patrons. This includes offensive body odor due to lack of hygiene habits
or facilities. There would be more, but basically the idea was to have
the memo on hand to actually "hand" to the patron, asking them to read
it when they leave the building due to the sensitive and personal nature
of the letter. The idea came up to "mail" the note, but if we hand it to
them, we know they have received it.

	 

	What do think? Looking to the masses for your wisdom.

	Thanks in advance!

	Susan
	*****************************
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	Susan Hill Pieper, Director/Editor
	Paulding County Carnegie Library
	Rural Library Services Newsletter
	205 S Main St, Paulding, Ohio 45879
	419-399-2032 voice 419-3999-2114 fax
	www.pauldingcountylibrary.org
	ALA Councilor-at-Large
	PLA Executive Board
	ARSL Ex-Officio Board Member
	Follow me on Twitter: cowgirlie
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