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Interesting. I've been alone in the library's children's section hundreds of times and fortunately for me and anyone who'd ask me to leave after a minute or two, it's never happened.
We wouldn't just walk up and ask you to leave... as I said, we'd ask if you needed help, and then use our judgment to determine if you were there legitimately.
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I guess this is one of those situations that puts library staff and patron in a bind.
Yes, it can. But most of us are well-trained professionals, who know when it's appropriate to take this action. This policy isn't always an official policy, and in small libraries (like where I currently work) we don't have the ability to keep anyone from any section.
Back when I worked at a large urban library, where the children's room was completely separate, it was easier and more necessary to enforce this rule... particularly since there had been a few incidents, especially with adults using the children's-only restroom. We were more lenient on the book browsing, but absolutely ZERO unaccompanied adults (male or female) were allowed in those restrooms - with the exception of when the adult restrooms were broken, but even then we kept a close eye on that door. Keep in mind, this library happened to be in a very high-crime neighborhood.
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Does 'unaccompanied adults' Really apply to women and men equally ?
Honestly? Not really. Call it "gender profiling" if you must, but you can't argue with the statistics... and in my entire career in public libraries (and other jobs), I have never dealt with a female predator. But at the same time, if a woman seems creepy or out-of-place, I won't give her a pass just for being female.
Interesting. I've been alone in the library's children's section hundreds of times and fortunately for me and anyone who'd ask me to leave after a minute or two, it's never happened.
I guess this is one of those situations that puts library staff and patron in a bind.
Does 'unaccompanied adults' Really apply to women and men equally ?
I would think that after being asked if one needed help in a library, a typical response might be " I'm looking for my child's/grandchild's book". In those situations I would assume there would be more dialogue to help the person select. Most librarians I've met are extremely knowledgeable and helpful.
Profiling is sometimes necessary. That doesn't mean you take action all the time but maybe just be more cautious.
Over the years i'd been followed about by female staff in shops that sell clothes for young and teenage children (i have a teenage daughter and have older boys).
I sometimes have a look and see if they have a top or something in a style i know my daughter likes or for something she's looked at with me in the past. Now if i buy sanitary towels for my daughter that raises not one eyebrow but buying her underwear? a pack of knickers or a bra?
Now i know that when my wife walks around the same shops no-one follows her but i get followed and asked "do you need help?".
I understand the reasoning behind it but it doesn't mean i appreciate it.
Honestly? Not really. Call it "gender profiling" if you must, but you can't argue with the statistics... and in my entire career in public libraries (and other jobs), I have never dealt with a female predator. But at the same time, if a woman seems creepy or out-of-place, I won't give her a pass just for being female.
Sure, just like a 85 year old woman in a wheelchair that has lived here all her life isn't going to bring a bomb on a plane.
Over the years i'd been followed about by female staff in shops that sell clothes for young and teenage children (i have a teenage daughter and have older boys).
I sometimes have a look and see if they have a top or something in a style i know my daughter likes or for something she's looked at with me in the past. Now if i buy sanitary towels for my daughter that raises not one eyebrow but buying her underwear? a pack of knickers or a bra?
Now i know that when my wife walks around the same shops no-one follows her but i get followed and asked "do you need help?".
I understand the reasoning behind it but it doesn't mean i appreciate it.
I have to give you credit here!
I have a 16yr old daughter and I realize how difficult it is to shop for teenage girls. Good job Dad!
As for Barnes and Noble, they've lost business from this family.
I'm not sure how the rules are at commercial businesses, but in the public library we actually do (in larger libraries, where the children's area is completely separate) have rules regarding unaccompanied adults in the children's section. Generally we just use our best judgment, since teachers and parents/grandparents do often come alone to get books. But we always make sure to greet them, and diplomatically ask their business in the children's area - i.e. "Can I help you find something?" If they appear to be just browsing, they will be asked to leave after a minute or two. Why? If I told you the stories relating to why, they would make you sick.
There is no way that would ever hold up if challenged in court. Taxpayer money funds libraries and if adults want to browse the children section, THEY PAID FOR.
This would be very similar to the Supreme Court ruling which requires libraries to provide access to porn.
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