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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

WIBU in the public library?

195 replies

NatureIsAWhore · 16/05/2017 12:21

I was using the computer in the local public library, I have a membership card.

A man came in and I overheard his conversation at the desk about needing to use a computer quickly to send some funds as his van had broken down, we're in a village so no banks. He wasn't from the area and didn't have a membership of the relevant documents for getting one (local household bill etc). He offered to pay just for 5 minutes use. He seemed pretty desperate. But the lady at the desk said that he couldn't as it's for members only.
They were both polite, but I could tell that the guy was frustrated. As I would be, stuck in a village and no wifi, needing to do something which would help his situation but was unable to do so.

So I called over and offered him to use my account for 5 minutes. He was very grateful, and still offered to pay. He sorted whatever he needed to do and then said thanks lots & left.

Then the lady came over to me and told me that I had breached to t&ts of becoming a member and that she would have to forefit my account!!

I now can't use my library because I did a nice thing!

WIBU to offer? i it that bad? Or was she being a jobs worth?

OP posts:
user1491572121 · 16/05/2017 13:13

I'd write to her manager! If it weren't for a nice man letting me use the shop's phone last week, I'd have been stuck in an Australian backwater for 24 hours!

He broke the rules for me because he was a human.

NotHotDogMum · 16/05/2017 13:15

You can log in to a library computer as a guest without library membership (for a small fee something like £2)

There will be a valid reason why the librarian was reluctant to let him on the computers.

I work in a library and we have been approached by the police who required information on certain individuals that were carrying out illegal actions online. These individuals would try to use other people's memberships to log on.

You don't understand the reasons, but have overridden the librarian based on half a conversation you overheard. You breached the terms and conditions of computer use, so yes, you should be banned.

Badbadbunny · 16/05/2017 13:17

As a librarian myself, I expect dozens of people every single week come into that library and expect free computer access.

So there should be a provision to charge for it. It's not rocket science. Libraries already charge for fines, so they must have systems for controlling and banking the cash. A nominal charge will stop the chancers just wanting a freebie.

PeachyPip · 16/05/2017 13:17

I think YWBU. Shock.

I get that she just couldn't let someone use the computer without being registered. I can see the reason for it even if it seems a bit strict and I can see that she was pissed off with you for going against what she said right under her nose.

He 'could' have been using the account to hide his identity/commit fraud/money laundering etc (it's unlikely but it's the type of thing that public libraries would need to show that they have guarded against).

I know he seemed like a nice guy and I'm sure he was but that's doesn't make any difference.

BTW i would be careful about letting strangers use my phone - there are some scams involving borrowing phones.. You might find that they've quickly sent a text to an extremely expensive premium number at your expense

NellieFiveBellies · 16/05/2017 13:18

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

WimbledonMum1 · 16/05/2017 13:20

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

LemonScentedStickyBat · 16/05/2017 13:20

Librarian in the right mostly but she really should have warned you when you offered help - I would be a bit cross about that

rightwhine · 16/05/2017 13:21

At the very least she should have said "I'm afraid you can't do that or..." before he sat down and used it.

JustinOtherdad · 16/05/2017 13:24

Which particular T&C do they accuse you of breaching?

Did you actually breach it? ie you didn't give your login information to someone else and let them use it pretending to be you, you just let him access a web page in your presence.

What is the penalty set out in the T&Cs for breaching the one they claim you did?

Show that you didn't break the T&Cs or that they're not standing by the penalty terms and you might be ok.

SaorAlbaGuBrath · 16/05/2017 13:25

Go back and pretend to browse every aisle whilst putting all the books out of ISBN order

Thanks for that, it made me snort laughing! My mum is a former librarian so I found it extra funny.

caz323 · 16/05/2017 13:30

Bet at the time, she regretted being a librarian - she must have wanted to shout FFS!! I'M IN CHARGE HERE!!!

I do think that was a bit mean. Don't stop being nice, OP.

OhGodWhatTheHellNow · 16/05/2017 13:33

Thanks for reminding me to renew my books online!

misses point of thread

AuldHeathen · 16/05/2017 13:36

Our library service is now run by a private company. So good luck with the complaining. You did breach the rules, albeit by doing a helpful thing.

elkegel · 16/05/2017 13:37

The thing is, OP, it's their IT equipment you are using and the library that would have the consequences if the guy had done some money laundering or other illegal activity on the machine.

I'd write a very apologetic email to the council, explaining what happened, and that you are very sorry and were only trying to help. Perhaps a period of suspension would be in order but could your account be reactivated within a month. Something like that.

Giddyaunt18 · 16/05/2017 13:37

You should have spoken to the librarian first and said you didn't mind him using yours. She then would've told you it was against the rules so that would have been that. Remember that the t&c s are there to protect you too. What if he did something unlawful on your account? You would deb accountable. I do think it's a bit much to ban you though.

Giddyaunt18 · 16/05/2017 13:38

*be accountable

muffinbluffer · 16/05/2017 13:43

Sigh...does anyone else remember a time when rural libraries were quiet places, where one went to lose oneself in the works of Dickens or explore dendrology perhaps...a time when they were free from pornography, S&M tips and advice, tech-savvy paedos, international crime syndicates wishing to launder money via Mr Jones's Bakery or members of terrorist organisations wishing to bring death to the West?

I once took out a book about a rocking horse called Cloppity......

Giddyaunt18 · 16/05/2017 13:47

So I called over ..

Sssshhhhhhh!

WJJWOO · 16/05/2017 13:50

Surely his driving licence would have sufficed as this has his photo and address on it and dont you have to carry this with you all the time in case you get stopped by the police. Dont stop being nice, this is what makes us different from the sad acts around.

Cantusethatname · 16/05/2017 13:52

I wouid imagine all public IT services are on high alert after Friday as another ransomware attack is expected. The librarian probably had a security briefing that morning. Given that most hackers get in to systems through human error (giving out passwords, clicking on attachments etc) you were perhaps a bit naive, especially at this time.

ThisisrealityGreg · 16/05/2017 13:53

I used to work in a library and I worked with someone EXACTLY like that. She would have gone out of her way not to help someone.

I'm sure it would have been very easy for her to check he wasn't grooming children or accessing porn during the 5 minutes he needed to use it for an emergency FFS.

WJJWOO · 16/05/2017 13:55

Just out of interest if he used your account can you check what sites he went on to make sure he hasnt done anything dodgy.

BaldricksTrousers · 16/05/2017 13:59

Surely his driving licence would have sufficed as this has his photo and address on it

Driving license addresses are often out of date, which is why libraries usually ask for a current piece of post to prove address.

At any rate, OP WBVU. We're in the followup of a massive cyber attack and you let a stranger use your account? He could have done god knows what, and your name is attached to it. Unfortunately 'doing the right thing' can sometimes lead to people being victimised. You shouldn't have gotten involved in this case.

Starlight2345 · 16/05/2017 14:04

I would of thought libraries would want a bit of extra money..Money is tight everywhere. If a none member pays to use library laptop surely will be a little income.

I doubt in a little village it would be overrun.

I have the wifi for my local library which is great because there is a pokemon gym outside so..My DS will often battle the gym while picking his books

londonrach · 16/05/2017 14:08

Wow. When ds was made reduntant he went to the library once where he wasnt a member and explained that he needed to apply for a job online. He was given a guest pass which the nice librarian renewed twice so he could get that application in and very kindly let him keep using the computer. It was vvv obvious he was applying for a nob. He got the job as a direct result of this. Ive also used the library when im not a member to get my tax return filed. You were vvv nice op. Write to the council and explain.

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