I don't think it's "chaotic" so much as "attracts weird shit". Very frequently, especially in summer, public libraries run amok with unattended children. Then there are the perverts who come and look at porn, solicit teens/preteens on myspace on our computers (less traceable, I think, or they just don't have computers), or act creepy around the childrens department. (Disturbing side note: sexual predators are not banned from public libraries, as they are from school and playground areas and certain housing areas.) And, increasingly, public libraries are becoming the place for transients and homeless people to spend their days. Then there are just the poor/crazy/lazy/batshit insane/criminal types that any free public place is going to attract.
The entry I took the quote from is a public post on metaquotes, but private in the community. But here's the metaquote: http://community.livejournal.com/metaquotes/6331210.html. That's just a sample of the things I've heard from other librarians.
It's kind of intimidating...Aren't you glad you asked?
lol, I never spend much time in libraries because I just buy books I want to read (or occasionally e-steal them), and I have my own computers. So I guess I miss out on all the fun.
Well, I've heard from people who've moved here from California that libraries out there tend to be more like rental places than libraries. I had one guy who just moved here from the LA area come in and get a card, and he looked really surprised when he found out there's no fees at all on the card unless something is overdue or needs replacing. We don't even charge for using our internet...
BTW, the V-stick-figure icon is odd...but sort of disturbingly cool...
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timeasmymeasure
no subject
Date: 2008-07-30 08:24 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-07-31 01:50 am (UTC)The entry I took the quote from is a public post on metaquotes, but private in the community. But here's the metaquote: http://community.livejournal.com/metaquotes/6331210.html. That's just a sample of the things I've heard from other librarians.
It's kind of intimidating...Aren't you glad you asked?
no subject
Date: 2008-07-31 01:51 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-07-31 02:30 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-08-02 01:16 am (UTC)BTW, the V-stick-figure icon is odd...but sort of disturbingly cool...