[Publib] Re: Decline in use of Computer Centers

[Andy Barnett]

We have 24 Internet stations, not all in one computing center, but 
throughout our three main areas. One of those areas is our Commons, where 
coffee, food and group activities are encouraged.

Use is up in 2006. We had 73,000 sign ins in 2005 and are headed for over 
80,000 in 2006. After school, every station is in use. Many mornings we 
have over 50% in use. That doesn't count the wireless users - four of them 
this morning.

I don't think we are seeing less use, but a change in use. As more people 
have accounts at home, our use is from other sources. Kids after school. 
Kids playing games in groups in the Commons. People who need help finding 
things and so come to the library to use our Internet and expertise. People 
needing a scanner (we have two). People whose computers/printer/internet is 
not working. Visitors to the community. People who simply don't have a 
computer. People applying for jobs or preparing resumes. People using the 
in-house databases. People who can get more done at the library than at home.

Andy Barnett, Asst. Director				www.mcmillanlibrary.org
McMillan Memorial Library
490 East Grand Ave.						715-422-5144 (phone)
Wisconsin Rapids, WI  54494				715-423-2665 (fax)
	
Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.
      -  Martin Luther King, Jr., 1929 - 1968