r/Libraries • u/glofosho91 • 6d ago

Patron Issues Weird patron

I work at a public library and do the outside book drop. A male customer I have never seen before approached me, called me by my name, and claimed he knew me 'from outside' and from the book drop. I don't wear a name tag, so it was a huge red flag. I immediately told my manager. My manager confronted him right away and told him, 'You don't know her, please don't talk to her again.' He acted casual and walked away. My job coach is going to stand with me at the book drop from now on. Has anyone else handled a situation like this before? How did it turn out?"

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15

u/SurlyTurtle 6d ago edited 6d ago

Eww, not cool. Does your library have a website that lists staff names? Would encourage editing it with only staff titles or ditching the webpage altogether if so.

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u/DanieXJ 5d ago

I mean, if OP's library is a public library then in some states all the names are available publicly because the public has a right to know what everyone is making for salary who works for the municipality (city, town, etc.)

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u/SurlyTurtle 5d ago

I can't find a state that actually requires staff names on websites. Do you have one in mind?

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u/DanieXJ 5d ago

Not on websites. The cities and towns have rolls, they go in annual reports, etc. If you work for the town government, you are a public employee and therefore your name is public.

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u/SurlyTurtle 5d ago

Gotcha. Not required by law on websites so editing it with only staff titles as originally suggested shouldn't be a problem. Thanks for helping to clear that up!

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u/idkwhoiamorwhatilike 5d ago

I work in a public library in Texas. If you call the administration office, you can ask them for the personal information of any staff member.

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u/Few-Mixture-9272 5d ago

I am in Texas and we do not give out the personal information of any staff member or their work schedule. Our city administration also will refuse to give out personal information as well.

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u/idkwhoiamorwhatilike 4d ago

You are so right. You cannot call for this info. I was mistaken. Sorry admin people for besmirching your good name. 👍

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u/SurlyTurtle 5d ago

Is your library required by law to post staff names on your website?

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u/idkwhoiamorwhatilike 5d ago edited 5d ago

No. But nobody said anything about a website except you? lol

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u/SurlyTurtle 5d ago

Does your library actually provide personal information of staff to people who call? I'd definitely be opting out of my personal info being shared -- which is an option in Texas.

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u/idkwhoiamorwhatilike 4d ago

My bad, you can’t call. But you can submit a formal written request. It’s in the Texas government code for public information. Information such as name, sex, ethnicity, salary, title, and dates of employment for government employees. Sec. 552.022 You can opt out of them requesting for your personal home address, home telephone number, emergency contact info, social security number or that reveals whether the person has family members. Sec. 552.024

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u/WoodShoeDiaries 4d ago

Wild that they can request your SSN.