Anne ([info]tilotamma) wrote in [info]damnportlanders,
@ 2005-02-05 11:41:00
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Happy weekend, Portlanders! I have a weird request. I am a student at PSU doing an anthropology project on the public library system — it’s pretty generally focused at the moment but the main point is to look at the sort of public space supplied by the library. And I thought, think of all the people on LJ who must use the public library system and maybe some who even work there! Think of how those kind souls might deign to give you their opinions! Think of how many less people you would have to harass in person!

It’s really hard to ask for interviews at the library. You know, with the whole not talking policy. ;)

Answer all, none, or some! Post a reply anonymously or e-mail me at anneh@pdx.edu. Everything will be kept anonymous and my project is only for academic purposes and individual interest—if you have any questions, post away. Thank you!

1.) Do you use the library often? If so, which one(s)?
2.) How much time would you say you usually spend when you go?
3.) Do you like being at the library? How do you feel when you’re there?
4.) Do you have a favorite room or area of the library that you go to? What do you like about it?
5.) What do you most often use the library for?
6.) What would you say is the library’s most popular offering, for other people?
7.) Who do you think uses libraries the most?
8.) Is there anything that bothers you about the library? Anything you think should be changed?
9.) Have you ever seen someone doing something in the library that you thought they shouldn’t be? Give details if so inclined.
10.) What should libraries do to make sure things are safe?
11.) Have you noticed any security precautions/devices that your library uses? What do you think of them? Why are they there?
12.) What do you think about kids in the library? Should they always be with an adult, or is it okay for them to be alone?
13.)There’s been some debate over filtering internet sessions at the library, especially in regards to sexually explicit material. Have you heard about that at all? Any opinion?

Oh, and feel free to add anything that you want. These are just prompts. :)

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[info]inauroraswake
2005-02-05 08:31 pm UTC (link)
1. Hollywood and Wilson W. Clark Memorial Library (aka UP library if that counts).

2. As I work at WW Clark, usually 4 hours a day. For the public libraries, 1 hour.

3. Yes. It's quiet, which living next to the freeway I don't get much of, so it makes me extremely happy to get away.

4. Nope, sorry.

5. Research, homework.

6. The range of media - cd's, dvd's, etc.

7. I have no idea. I know for a fact that the people that should use the library the most for research and what not don't.

8. I dunno, I love my libraries.

9. Eating/drinking around computers. It's really just stupid! You could ruin the stupid thing. Talking on a cell phone in the library drives me nuts too.

10. I think having security is about all you can do.

11. Not really.

12. They should be with an adult. Not every child is well-behaved and quiet enough to be on their own, not to mention the fact that it's dangerous to leave a child in a public area without supervision.

13. No, I haven't heard about it, but it can be both good and bad. Obviously the library doesn't want people looking up porn on their website, but you have to wonder what their idea of sexually explicit is. I've seen medical journals that could be termed "sexually explicit" and that's something that someone NEEDS often, at least at my library.

Hope that helps.

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[info]tilotamma
2005-02-05 08:39 pm UTC (link)
Yeah that helps, it's great! Thank yooou.

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[info]inauroraswake
2005-02-05 08:41 pm UTC (link)
OOhhh I forgot. As far as security at WW Clark goes, we have Public Safety officers there, and the building is checked every night by PS after it's locked and we're out of the building.

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[info]tilotamma
2005-02-05 08:50 pm UTC (link)
Oh really! That is interesting because I've only seen them at Central so far. What are they supposed to do during the day? Just keep an eye on things? Do they wear uniforms like the ones at Central?

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[info]inauroraswake
2005-02-05 08:52 pm UTC (link)
Well, WW Clark is the University library that I work at. But in any event, their job is just to patrol the campus, so they make the library one of their stops because there are so many people that come in. Lately we've been having some creepy guys coming in and watching women as they study, so they've been coming in more often during the day. They wear police uniforms, basically, and carry pepper spray and batons, but no guns.

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[info]fr3orb
2005-02-05 08:42 pm UTC (link)
hey, your in my class... lol
so, what did I miss yesterday?

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[info]tilotamma
2005-02-05 08:48 pm UTC (link)
HA! Who are you? What's your project?

Yesterday, uh... we discussed the STT readings and got into a big debate over cultural relativism vs. Universal Human Truths and trying to work for good and that sort of thing. Still haven't gotten our tests back.

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[info]fr3orb
2005-02-06 04:06 am UTC (link)
I'm the one doing the study on foreign exchange students and enculturation.

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[info]tilotamma
2005-02-08 02:12 am UTC (link)
Ah haaa! Always fun to find out who is on LJ in classes. Usually not many. And everyone seems reluctant to admit it--deep dark secret!

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[info]lokidecat
2005-02-06 04:56 am UTC (link)
1. Not often. But if I need one I go to the PCC RCC one.

2. Less than an hour.

3. No. Silence distracts me. I need music to concentrate. (odd eh?)

4. I generally find a comfy chair (couch/sofa) to relax in.

5. Homework.

6. Free WiFi!

7. Students.

8. Like I said, the quiet. I'd like a more hip version with music, or something. It would do well since not many folks I wager are like me and need white noise to focus.

9. Talking on their cell phone. I want to shove it up their nose. They also leave the ringer on (which annoys me in any public location).

10. A security guard is nice. Lots of cameras.

11. Mainly the magnetic tags are the #1 protection they have, and attentive alert staff.

12. It isn't a daycare. There are places for children, and the library isn't that place unless it's doing library-type things (childrens books) in their own separate section. Then again, I'm not big on kids regardless.

13. I think anyone that pays for internet needs to have something in place to protect themselves. If someone's browsing child pornography on the library's connection, then that library -can- be held responsible. I think people need to use some respect when using someone elses' internet.

Other:
I think in libraries near schools, libraries should merge with TA's (teacher's aides) to have subject-specific tutoring available there. But that's just an opinion.

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[info]tilotamma
2005-02-07 06:13 pm UTC (link)
Thank you much!!

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[info]tilotamma
2005-02-08 02:11 am UTC (link)
Oh yeah, I'm the same way about silence. I do my homework much better in noisy coffee shops or other public spaces, and most people think I'm crazy!

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[info]amytimm
2005-02-07 09:10 pm UTC (link)
1.) I usually go to the library once a week--Albina's my local--to pick up holds, drop things off, and browse.
2.) About 15 minutes to 1/2 hour, usually.
3.) Yes, it feels like a safe spot to re-gather my thoughts. They also have reasonably clean bathrooms. Libraries are a little like bookstores, except free and better-organized. I can check out a book, cd, or dvd, without weighing whether I can afford it, or care enough to own it. Gives me the opportunity to check out things I might not normally read.
4.) Albina's too small to have a favorite section.
5.) Checking out books. The MuCo library hold system is fantastic.
6.) Internet access, books.
7.) It seems to be a good cross-section, in my neighborhood, at least.
8.) They always need more funding.
9.) Not so far.... although my library in college saw some unpleasant activities.
10.) Albina's too small to feel particularly unsafe.
11.) There's the option to have a filtered internet session. It's nice to have the option, but I'm very glad that MuCo stood up for free access to information.
12.) If the kids are well-behaved, they should be able to come to the library alone. I always went unsupervised to the library growing up. It's a good point, however, that the child's safety should also be a consideration. Now I'm conflicted.
13.)See #11.

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[info]tilotamma
2005-02-08 02:10 am UTC (link)
Awwwwwkitty.

Thank you. Some very helpful stuff here. :)

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