LIBRARIANS ASSAIL PAY-TO-SURF POLICY

Library Administrator's Digest, May 2004

North Jersey librarians say the $1 fee that the Bloomfield Public Library now charges patrons to use the Internet is not "user-friendly" and goes against the meaning of a free public institution.

But the librarians said they also don't blame Bloomfield for trying to find ways of bringing in more money when it's possible the library is not properly funded by the township.

Bloomfield's new policy began February 9 and includes everyone except township residents, 19-years-old, and younger and college students with a Bloomfield library card.

"I really, really am philosophically opposed to charging people for what they have already paid for with their taxes," said Michele Reutty, director of the Hasbrouck Heights Free Public Library. "The people have already paid for this service. Why should they have to pay again?"

At Teaneck's Public Library, Internet access is free, but printing a page is the same as the photocopying charge - a dime. "We have a history of not trying to charge for anything," said Director Michael McCue. "There are people who come here every day and use the computers."

When libraries charge for services, the patrons caught in the net are those who can ill afford to pay, such as seniors, students, recent immigrants or those on tight bud.gets.

"If your [town] council doesn't value libraries, you will have a hard time serving your population," said Penny Kaplan, assistant director of Fair Lawn's Maurice M. Pine Library. "We are lucky. Our council values libraries."

Dennis Valentovic, the Bloomfield Library board's president, did not think the fee would deter Internet users and said exceptions could be made for hardship cases.

Patricia Tumulty, director of the New Jersey Library Association, agrees that charging may not be the best idea, but said she sympathizes with Bloomfield's need to raise additional funds for building upkeep, books and computers.

"I am not critical of them trying to find ways to serve people," Tumulty said. "And a dollar doesn't seem like a lot, but it can limit people."

So far, Bloomfield's Internet usage is down 35 percent, compared with last year.

It's a difficult decision to make, director of the Clifton Public Library Christine Zembecki said. "The purpose of a library is to serve its public," she said. "But there comes a time when you reach a certain limit and you just physically cannot do it. You have to wonder if providing the service at a minimal cost is better than not providing it at all."

The Record (NJ), April 2, 2004