Tompkins County Public Library

Monday, May 19, 2014

Patron Comments May 2014

Comment:  I was surprised when I came in to pick up a held item (about a week after receiving notice that it was in) to be told it had been returned and my account charged for "reshelving" because I hadn't retrieved it within seven days.

The phone message (automated) that notifies a patron to come to TCPL for a requested item says nothing about a retrieval deadline or accompanying fine.  This is not really fair to the patron.

Please change the end of the automated message from "please pick up this item ASAP" to "we will hold the item for one week from today, after which it will be returned and shelved and a fee then charged to your library account."  People should be informed if there is a deadline and fee.

Response:  Thank you for sharing your thoughts on TCPL's current hold policies and related communications.  We are constantly reviewing our circulation procedures to ensure quality service for our patrons and maximum efficiency for the department.  We no longer charge a fee for placing a hold, but do still charge accounts if a hold is not picked-up before its "unclaimed" date.  Your feedback regarding the automated message is helpful and has been shared with the department.  Additional information about TCPL hold policies can be found at http://tcpl.org/services/circulation-holds.php.

Comment:  [The Library should hold a] teen lock-in where teens read a certain book and then have a special night of programs about it.

Response:  Thank you for your wonderful suggestion.  TCPL's Teen Librarian Regina DeMauro is constantly developing creative teen programs like the one you have suggested to keep teens and tweens engaged and active in the Library!  You should consider joining our Teen Advisory Group where you can help Regina develop programs, select titles for our collection, advocate on behalf of TCPL and share ideas and suggestions for new/enhanced teen services.  For more information, visit http://tcpl.org/teens/tag.php.

Comment:  You should get a new copy of the movie "Starship Troopers."  It is no longer in the system.

Response:  Thank you for your suggestion!  It has been shared with the staff member responsible for ordering DVD's.  In the meantime, opies of "Starship Troopers 2" and Starship Troopers 3" are available through the Finger Lakes Library System.

Comment:  Suggested purchases:  Children's DVDs on US History, including the Civil War. 

Response:  Thank you for your request, it has been passed on to our Youth Services Department. 

Comment:  Thank you.  Good job guys!

Response:  Thank you for sharing positive feedback about TCPL.  We are committed to providing a quality library experience for Tompkins County and the surrounding area and are glad to hear that you appreciate the Library.

Comment:  I don't like the library

Response:  We're sorry to hear that you don't enjoy the Library.  With so many programs, resources and services, maybe you haven't yet found the one that best suits your needs.  We encourage you to continue visiting and share your ideas for  enhancing the services we provide.