Back on March 7, Dave  called the Minneapolis Public Library to generously offer to talk about donating wireless access equipment and even setting it up and configuring it. But apparently MPL isn't even considering it, let alone calling him back to thank him. That's just sad, especially because I think MPL does some good things in other areas.

I want to revive the whole wireless in public libraries debate that I inconveniently started right before going on vacation, but for the moment I want to post today's comment from Dave and publicly thank him for the link (both of them, actually).

"Still no word. Not even a peep. But some good commentary from James Lileks today."

I'm leaving the link as he submitted it intact because it goes to a really great 404 page that will give you a good laugh. You can then move on to the discouraging article itself at the correct address.

Unfortunately, the service Lilek encountered is still too prevalent to be called "rare" in public libraries. (Note to Sony Barari: this is how you get your point across with satire.) When I praised the Phoenix Public Library's customer service the other day, it was because they provided the exact opposite experience of what Lilek encountered. Sure, they were "on" for the conference, but I could tell it wasn't just for show one week out of the year.

I love circ staff, but the stubborn folks that place policy above CIRCULATING MATERIALS TO PATRONS or providing actual service should just retire now. It's difficult enough for libraries to remain relevant, important, and accessible given our lack of funding, resources, and status, but we still manage to do it. There's a lot of creativity and energy behind those efforts, and I hope library directors impart from the top down that your patrons are your most important asset. They're the whole point.

I hope Minneapolis PL wakes up to this and at least gives Dave the courtesy of a call back.