When the Free Library of Philadelphia started using those kind of staff badges with our pictures on them as well, we had the choice of First name Lastname, Mr. or Mrs. or Ms Lastname , and if, I recall correctly -  Miss Firstname  - if children’s librarians wanted that. There are a number of female staff members who were very hesitant about having there name out there for the public (and we get some characters here). The badges do hang down at waist level, so if you’re seated no one can read the tag. And if your name is only on one side of the tag, chances are  the blank side will be facing the patron.  I suffered a stalking incident a couple of years ago that came from leaving my business card on the reference desk. I had thought, when I had my nametag made, oh, I’ll put my whole name, no big deal, but now I  have covered up my name with a generic Free Library Book Festival staff badge and no one in the administration gives me grief.

Dear Colleagues,

Our library system at the University of Pittsburgh will soon require all librarians and staff to wear ID Badges with “Ask a Librarian” under them.  They will include our first and last name.  I know that some libraries do this, but the badges I have seen hang low on a lanyard and it is difficult to see the person’s name.  The Pitt design is very bold with large lettering that is very easy to see.  We have concerns about ID theft, stalking, etc.   Have any of you who wear badges ad problems of any kind like the ones I have mentioned?  Or other problems?

Thanks so much for your input!

Ray Anne Lockard

Bibliographer and Public Services Librarian
Frick Fine Arts Library
University of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, PA  15260
Voice-mail:  412-648-2410
E-mail:  [log in to unmask]

"A book should be a ball of light in one's hands."  Ezra Pound

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