[Publib] "serious" internet users versus "entertainment" users

[sarah boyd]

Hello, everybody

We use 3M's PAMS system to manage our public computers and each patron is
limited to three hours a day. It's the only fair way that we have to
allocate time to people. The reference department houses 24 desktop
computers plus an additional 20 laptops. Downstairs in our popular materials
section, there are 31 desktops/laptops and another 15 computers in the teen
department. Even with these 90 computers we still don't meet the demand for
them.
There are those clever souls who will find ways to wrangle other library
cards from friends, family members, etc...and those that use the OPACS to
get online, but we handle problems as they arise.

As far as monitoring computer use, I simply don't have the time or
inclination to determine who has a more serious intent.   If we treat
patrons fairly and enforce policies consistently, then we've done our job, I
think.


Sarah H. Boyd
Adult Services Dept. Head
Columbus Public Library
3000 Macon Road
Columbus, GA  31906
sboyd at cvrls.net
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