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

[Joshua Neff]

We have that problem at my library, too. We're a small branch, and there are
only so many public computers we can even fit in our building. During the
summer (and after school on weeknights during the school year), we have a
lot of younger patrons who use the computers. And yes, this means that
patrons who may want to use the computers for more serious pursuits can't
get access.

I suppose you could shorten the length of time a patron gets to use the
computer at one time, but if we did that at our library, the "serious"
patrons would complain, because they generally need to use the computers for
an hour at least. We can't shorten the length of use for some patrons and
not others, certainly not based on what they're using the computers for. The
only solution my library has really been able to come up with is smiling and
asking patrons to be patient when they want to use the computers.

--Joshua M. Neff
Indian Creek Branch
Olathe Public Library 

-----Original Message-----
From: publib-bounces at webjunction.org [mailto:publib-bounces at webjunction.org]
On Behalf Of Nozick, Sandy
Sent: Wednesday, June 28, 2006 1:49 PM
To: publib at webjunction.org
Subject: [Publib] "Serious" internet users versus "entertainment"users

I think we're getting away from the question.  We're not debating so much
the value of what patrons do but how we can keep computers available so
patrons can even get on.  
We have children here for 4-6 hours a day signing up, using computers,
signing up, using computers.  The wait can be 2-3 hours, which turns away
patrons who have computer needs but lack the luxury of waiting around for
hours.  The kids, on the other hand, run and play in the library, the
elevator, the bathrooms.  
What we seek is equitable use of computers, not discerning serious from
entertaining.

Sandy Nozick

Reference Librarian
Beale Memorial Library, Kern County Library
701 Truxtun Avenue
Bakersfield CA  93301
661.868.0787 


_______________________________________________
Publib mailing list
Publib at webjunction.org
http://lists.webjunction.org/mailman/listinfo/publib