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

[Audrey Lewis]

Well, the two systems I have worked in since there have been "loads" of computers in libraries set time limits....you can be on for an hour if people are waiting.  If no one is waiting you can stay on as long as you want until someone else comes in.  You are only guaranteed an hour, but can usually have more than that in any non-busy hours.

We keep a sheet with the computer number and enter the time a patron goes on it.  That doesn't mean there aren't plenty of arguments about us "writing the time down wrong".  LOL

Audrey Lewis

Audrey Lewis
Director
Hoyt Library
505 Janes Street
Saginaw, MI 48607
989-755-0904

>>> "Nozick, Sandy" <sandy.nozick at kerncountylibrary.org> 6/28/2006 2:49 pm >>>
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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