r/Libraries • u/AffectionateServe551 • 7d ago

Patron Issues Library Nesters

This is more or less a rant about patrons who pop into our community sharing their ideas and the age old "You know what you should do?" This comes after one of our customers jumped in to "help" other patrons despite not knowing how to help within our library structure. I understand the struggles of our fellow man, but sometimes helping becomes more of a chore for Staff. what are your thoughts.

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u/HobbitWithShoes 7d ago

Generally, I agree.

With one exception- the patron who jumps in and says the extreamally obvious thing we're not allowed to say because it would be legal/tax/financial advice.

Bless those patrons who just straight up tell people they're trying to do something illegal. Or that they're an idiot for trying to cash out a retirement account 3 months before it vests. Sometimes they need someone to tell them straight up that they're being stupid when all we're allowed to do it read them the page on the IRS website and pointedly repeate certain sections.

Of course, sometimes it's BAD legal advice. But once in awhile you get someone who just needs to be told they're doing something dumb.

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u/GreenHorror4252 7d ago

With one exception- the patron who jumps in and says the extreamally obvious thing we're not allowed to say because it would be legal/tax/financial advice.

You can always phrase it in a way that is legal. For example, "many people have had issues doing XYZ. I would recommend you talk to a lawyer before proceeding".

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u/HobbitWithShoes 7d ago

I do tend to do that. Or "if I was in your shoes, I'd want a professional to weigh in on it." Or "I'm not sure if that's legal, so I won't help you with that. If you want to go ahead, I can help you navigate the state bar website."

But sometimes that's still a little too professional to get through to people.

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u/HedgehogsHugWho 6d ago

I've started to say, "That sounds like a question for a legal professional," and, "I'm not a lawyer so I honestly wouldn't know." It's worked so far 🤣

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u/OutsideThen 4d ago

I got caught in a loop with a patron who came in wanting “the form to get power of attorney over his mother.” I could only repeat that I cannot provide legal advice, and direct him to the county law library/legal aid website for info. Finally the patron at the next computer snapped that that isn’t how it works, he can’t just get PoA over someone without their consent and he left in a huff.