[Publib] limiting access to computer labs

[Bruce Bumbalough]

Why punish everybody for the actions of a few?   
 
You may need to increase the penalties on the teens who are acting up.   We have an automated system by which everybody who uses a computer must log on with a valid library card number.   We provide guest passes for those who live outside the city (such as travelers or those who work in the city but live elsewhere).   When we find a customer violating the rules and expectations of behavior, we simple block the card or pass so that no further access can be made.   That stops most of the problem.   If we find them using another card * not their own * we block the access of that person as well.   In extreme cases, we are authorized to call the police and ask that the patron be given a criminal trespass citation.   If that happens and the offender returns to the library, they must appear in court and are barred from the library for two years.  
 
Harsh?  I don't think so.  When a teen has been repeatedly warned about noisy behavior, running, profanity etc, they must be made to understand the behavior isn't acceptable.
 
 
 
Bruce Bumbalough
Reference Librarian
Grapevine Public Library
1201 Municipal Way
Grapevine, TX 76051
 
817-410-3404 or 817-410-3449
bbumbalough@ ci.grapevine.tx.us


>>> "Elizabeth Speigle" <espeigle at nngov.com> 3/30/2007 1:37 PM >>>

Please excuse any cross postings.   We currently offer our patrons a total of two hours on the computers per day.  We have been experiencing increasingly inappropriate behaviors among teens.  We, of course, address this behavior consistently, but it continues. Because of this, we are considering limiting access, for all library customers, to one hour per day.   Does anyone have any similar experience?  Words of wisdom?  Plain ol’ help?  Thank you very much in advance. Elizabeth Elizabeth K. SpeigleAssistant DirectorNewport News Public Library 700 Town Center Drive Suite 300Newport News, VA  23606 Ph. 757.926.1350Fx. 757.926.1365www.nngov.com/library 


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