Historical Perspectives on Problem Patrons from the British Public Library Sector, 1850-1919

Summary

Failure to engage an historical perspective can lead to exaggeration of the novelty of the “problem patron” phenomenon in libraries. In fact, from the institutions' earliest years, there were significant levels of fear that British public libraries would be abused by their intended users. This paper examines the experience of the problem patron in British public libraries in the years 1850-1919, and the definitions and solutions suggested by supporters and staff of these libraries. Contemporary sources are used to suggest that some observations about this period may have continued relevance for present discussions of the “problem patron.”

Key Words:

• United Kingdom
• public libraries
• history
• problem patron
• order
• crime
• class