[Publib] Chat Rooms and Instant Messaging

[Mary Linse]

We allow chat and even provide shortcuts to the common ones.  Our
community has a large deaf population who find this a valuable tool.
I am sure some is frivolus, however we don't want to make the decision
of what is and what is not necessary.

Back in the days before common internet use, when the internet was for
"serious reference only", I was sold on chat when a young man asked if
he could save his chat. Before I could tell him he wasn't supposed to
be doing that, he explained that someone had arranged for him to
interview one of the original Tuskeege airmen.  He was so excited and
couldn't take notes fast enough and still ask questions.  I decided
that primary source research was about as serious as research gets.

Mary Linse
Olathe Public Library


On 10/24/06, Linda Cannon <LCannon at joplinpubliclibrary.org> wrote:
>
> We block neither. Our only blocks are CIPA related--sexually graphic images.
> Other than that, all users are limited to one hour per day, to use as they
> see fit.Research, games, e-mail, chat, whatever.
>
>
> Linda Cannon, Collection Development Librarian
> Joplin Public Library
> 300 S. Main St.
> Joplin, MO  64801
> 417-623-7953
> lcannon at joplinpubliclibrary.org
> http://www.joplinpubliclibrary.org
>
> ________________________________
> From: publib-bounces at webjunction.org [mailto:publib-bounces at webjunction.org]
> On Behalf Of Sarah McElfresh
> Sent: Tuesday, October 24, 2006 1:07 PM
> To: publib at webjunction.org
> Subject: [Publib] Chat Rooms and Instant Messaging
>
>
> I apologize if this topic has already been addressed, but I couldn't find
> the info I was looking for in the archives.  Our library is planning to
> revisit our "no chat rooms" policy.  Are there any libraries out there who
> do not block chat rooms or Instant Messaging?  Are there any libraries who
> block chat rooms, but allow Instant Messaging?  Thanks in advance for your
> responses!
>
> Sarah McElfresh
> IT Manager
> North Madison County Public Library System
> 1600 Main St.
> Elwood, IN 46036
> P: 765.552.5001
> F: 765.552.0955
> smcelfresh at elwood.lib.in.us
>
>  "If a cluttered desk is the sign of a cluttered mind,
>   what is the significance of a clean desk?"
>   --Laurence J. Peter
>
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>
>
>


-- 
Mary Linse