[Publib] RE: Fees for Internet use

[Linda Cannon]

We charge non-cardholders (from wherever) $1 for 1/2 hour and $2 for a
full hour. We do permit one 15-minute free use every 30 days (designed
specifically for those passing through to check email and
whatnot--Joplin is on the interstate). So, you are *not* the only
library that charges (and we hear that one, too).

In our case, the rule was really designed because we have 18 public PCs,
and are surrounded by communities that either have no libraries or are
less convenient for *their* shareholders, and we had constant waiting
lists of *our* constituents when we allowed open access. Over 1/2 of all
our public PC use was by people outside our taxing district. We are
property tax supported, and owe our allegiance to those who pay for our
services. Our nonresident card fee is quite reasonable, so those who
have no other library service (or just find us more convenient) pay a
whopping $40 (up this year from $30, since we just passed a levy
increase). We believe it's quite a bargain!


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 
-----Original Message-----
From: publib-bounces at webjunction.org
[mailto:publib-bounces at webjunction.org] On Behalf Of Marlene Coleman
Sent: Friday, January 19, 2007 9:31 AM
To: publib at webjunction.org
Subject: [Publib] RE: Fees for Internet use

Our county has a large population of visitors and tourists.  The Board
made a policy to charge non-residents a $2.00 fee/hour for use of the
branch's Internet computers.  This has been in place for several years.

We occasionally get an "irate" visitor who says "they've never heard of
such a thing" and that "Internet use is always free when they visit
libraries".  My circulation supervisor wants input from other libraries,
as to whether we are 'unusual in charging' or not.

Does anyone have a fee for Internet use? And if so what is it?
If no one is waiting they can continue their session without another
payment, and we've recently added WIFI so now visitors can bring their
own laptops and don't have to pay a fee.

Any feedback would be appreciated, thanks.

Marlene F. Coleman
Branch Manager, Beaufort
BEAUFORT COUNTY (SC) LIBRARY
843-470-6544 ~ mcoleman at bcgov.net
 
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