[Publib] Keeping track of computer users

[Andrea Berstler - Director]

We have heavy-duty cards (about 4" x 10") for each computer, each card has a
barcode, just like our books. We "check out" the computer on Horizon using a
card - which is handed to the patron - this lets them know what computer is
theirs. 
We them unlock the computer using Café Zee (a very inexpensive time
management software). When their time is up, they can bring the card to the
desk for additional time. When they are finished, we check the card back in.
At the end of the month, we find the circulation for InternetPC's and we
have our count of computer users. 
 
We do allow non-patrons to use the computers (we have a number of travelers
using the library -  which we check out on a generic "library" card) so we
do not check patron's card for outstanding fines, etc. Printouts come up
behind the circ desk, so they must be paid for when picked up. 
 
If a patron needs more than the allowed 1 hour per day, we have a laptop
that we can checkout to them for a longer time. We do allow 2 people to work
together at the computer, if they do so without disturbing their neighbors. 
 
 

Andrea 
 
Andrea Berstler - Director 
The Village Library of Morgantown 
PO Box 797, 207 N Walnut St 
Morgantown, PA 
 <http://www.villagelibrary.org/> www.villagelibrary.org 
610-286-1022 
Preserving the Past . . . Preparing for the Future . . . 

Life will always throw you curves, just keep fouling them off... the right
pitch will come, but when it does, be prepared to run the bases.  ~Rick
Maksian
 

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From: publib-bounces at webjunction.org [mailto:publib-bounces at webjunction.org]
On Behalf Of Anne Paradise
Sent: Sunday, May 11, 2008 4:52 PM
To: publib at webjunction.org
Subject: [Publib] Keeping track of computer users


Hammond has experimented with various methods.  So far, this seems to be
working-
Each department with computers starts each day with a lined, tabulated sheet
on a clipboard.  The computer barcode is permanently attached to the
clipboard.  The staff member wands the patron's card, assessing if they are
in good standing, and "checks out"  a computer to them with the general
barcode.  The staff member writes down on the sheet the patron's  name, the
start and end times (at the branches we also note A or Y for adult or youth,
as youth are on for only 30 minutes.  The Youth department at Main has its
own computers).  We are flexible with research projects- noting that the
patron is working on one.  We also allow two patrons to work together on a
project.  We ask that patrons bring their own headphones..  As the computer
is assigned to the patron, we give them a laminated card with the number on
it.  When the card is returned, we check off the number on the sheet.  

"You must not refuse to lend a book, even to an enemy, for the cause of
learning will suffer" 
Rabbi Yehuda of Regensburg, Germany 1200 C.E. 

Anne Holcomb Paradise 
Hammond Public Library
anneparadise at hotmail.com 




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