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

[Ramirez, Penny]

Here at Crystal Lake PL (pop. 40,000-ish) we use PCReservations, and we
limit not time, but the number of logins per day. We have both 15 minute
Internet stations (which can't be reserved), 60 minute Internet stations
(reservable), and 120 minute software only stations (also reservable).
We used to offer four sessions per day, but downsized to two sessions
per day per patron. Its up to them which computers they use - and many
are fine with the 15 minute express stations. And yes, we do have those
enterprising folks who "borrow" their family members' cards, but we do
catch them....

We also have unlimited access to our subscription databases on four
separate stations, and once the "serious" people figure that out, they
tend to maximize their time!


Penny Ramirez
Reference Librarian
Crystal Lake Public Library
126 Paddock Street
Crystal Lake, IL 60014
815.459.1687 x154
www.crystallakelibrary.org
www.crystallakenet.org
 

-----Original Message-----
From: publib-bounces at webjunction.org
[mailto:publib-bounces at webjunction.org] On Behalf Of Joshua Neff
Sent: Wednesday, June 28, 2006 3:30 PM
To: 'Nozick, Sandy'; publib at webjunction.org
Subject: RE: [Publib] "Serious" internet users versus
"entertainment"users

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 


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