[Publib] Re: Public scanners?

[Andy Barnett]

We have had public scanners for several years. We currently have them 
on two of our twenty-four public Internet stations. Our scheduling 
software (formerly Telus, renamed Library Online) allows booking by 
the software loaded on the PC, so patrons can book these PCs in 
advance or get the next available one quite easily.

The main problem is that every scanner uses slightly different 
software. We have the lower level one set for automatic scanning. It 
previews, selects type of scan and resolution and then scans, saving 
the file to My Docs (where it will be erased when the patron signs 
off) and also to the graphics program, where they can edit it. Our 
other scanner is next the Reference Desk so it is more flexible.

Both scanners have CD-RWs and accept flash drives, so file size is 
not much of a problem.

As for the level of expertise required, it is a skill that many of 
our patrons possess, so asking professional staff to be able to 
handle it is not out of line. Most uses are totally hands off, 
involving teen and tweens sending photos to each other.

So far this year, we have had 175 sign ins for the scanners, a nice 
and inexpensive service, considering that scanners are cheap and last 
for years. I would bet that staff was involved in maybe 10% of those.



Andy Barnett, Asst. Director            McMillan Memorial Library
490 East Grand Ave. Wisconsin Rapids, WI  54494
                 www.mcmillanlibrary.org
Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that 
matter.  -  Martin Luther King, Jr.