Library Information
Patron Assistance Policy
Revised and Adopted by the Rochester Public Library Board May 21, 2003
The library has taken into consideration its limitations of staffing, resources and liability when establishing the following guidelines, which apply to all patrons:
Use of Telephone:A public pay phone is provided in the library's vestibule.
In emergencies, the staff will make one call for a patron on a non-public phone. Staff phones are not to be used by patrons.
Retrieval of Materials and Specialized Assistance:Staff may limit retrieval to no more than 10 items and/or up to 10 minutes of specialized assistance not to exceed one-half hour per day.
Additional time requested on a regular basis will be documented. The library will require a personal care attendant for such patrons.
Personal Care:Staff is not to provide personal care such as: lifting, assisting with mobility, procuring beverages or food, or bathroom needs. If such requests are regularly made, the library will document them and will require a personal care attendant for such patrons. Common sense can be used in providing assistance for minimal personal needs, for example, putting materials in book bags or picking up dropped materials or personal possessions.
Food/Drink:Food may not be brought into the library. Beverages in covered containers are allowed in the library. If the consumption of food is necessary for taking of medications such consumption will be permitted in the library vestibule only. Staff are not permitted to heat baby bottles in the library's staff microwaves due to the potentital for harm to children. Microwaves heat liquid unevenly and cause hot spots. Staff will suggest that baby bottles be warmed in the public restroom sinks using water from the hot faucet.
Other:Patrons are not permitted in staff work areas.
Staff will not interfere between patrons being asked to provide some of the above assistance and the person asking them to do so.
last updated: 4/29/08