[10833] in Public-Access_Computer_Systems_Forum
Re: Public Libraries and Internet Connectivity
daemon@ATHENA.MIT.EDU (Public-Access Computer Systems For)
Tue Nov 19 20:15:11 1996
Date: Tue, 19 Nov 1996 15:42:32 -0600 (CST)
From: Public-Access Computer Systems Forum <LIBPACS@UHUPVM1.UH.EDU>
To: Multiple recipients of list PACS-L <PACS-L@UHUPVM1.UH.EDU>
Reply-To: Public-Access Computer Systems Forum <PACS-L@UHUPVM1.UH.EDU>
3 Messages; 94 Lines
From: "Janice M. Murphy" <jamurphy@libofmich.lib.mi.us>
The Library of Michigan serves the state legislature and state agencies
but is also open to the public. Consequently our planning and
implementation of technology may follow a slightly different set of
priorities than the average public library would.
The Library of Michigan has had mixed results with our public access internet
stations. Part of the negative experiences are a consequence of the
number of terminals made available thus far. We initiated access with only
two workstations and a handful of people have been monopolizing
them. Establishing sign-up sheets and limiting users to two half
hours per day (if others are waiting) has alleviated some of the
tension on that score. Equipment failure has also detracted
from users' satisfaction. Within the next few months we will be
increasing the number of access points which will also help.
On the positive side people who had seldom or never visited the library
have become users. Topics which fall out of the scope of our collection
development policy are sometimes available via the net. In addition, as a
U.S. Documents Depository access to legislation that previously took months
to receive on microfiche can be obtained quickly through Thomas and other
sites.
There are a lot of service issues to be addressed that can be viewed as
either problems or just part of doing business depending upon your
outlook. There are the supplies required for printing; if and how to
charge for printing; arbitrating conflicts between patrons; instructing
new users on the floor or establishing training sessions for your user
groups; privacy; e-mail; chat rooms ...
I recently heard speakers from the library in Canton, MI describe a very
successful training program they have developed in conjunction with their
local senior center. Given the opportunity to learn in an atmosphere
geared toward their needs, the seniors have really taken to searching
and found a connection with current technology that many in their age
group never experience.
Overall, it's a little like a roller coaster ride-- exciting or terrifying
depending on who is taking the ride and whether or not the coaster stays
on the track.
Janice M. Murphy 517-373-1302
Library of Michigan jamurphy@libofmich.lib.mi.us
717 W. Allegan
P.O. Box 30007
Lansing, MI 48909
On Mon, 18 Nov 1996, charles shannon wrote:
> ----------------------------Original message----------------------------
> I am a Reference Librarian with the Tulsa City County Library System.
> Very shortly Internet access will be made available to our patrons at
> the central and branch libraries. I asked PACS-L members a few weeks ago
> for input about their experiences, positive and negative, when the
> Internet was first made available to their patrons. I didn't get many
> messages, but the few I did receive were negative. Am I to assume that,
> from a librarian's standpoint, this is only a negative experience?
> Your comments and sharing experiences would be very much appreciated.
> Charley Shannon
*****
From: Paivi Jokitalo <jokitalo@katto.kaapeli.fi>
The House of Knowledge is a national project financed by the Finnish=20
Ministry of Education and administered by the Finnish Library=20
Association. The broad aim of this 3-year-project - now in its second=20
year - is to promote and enhance public library Internet activity in=20
Finland.=20
A summary of a national survey of public libraries and the Internet=20
prepared by the project coordinators can be found at:
http://www.kaapeli.fi/tiedontalo/english/survey96.html
###########################################################################=
##
P=E4ivi Jokitalo=09=09=09House of Knowledge Project
tel. +358-9-2709 0362=09=09Tallbergink. 1/39, FIN-00180 Helsinki, Finland
fax. +358-9-2709 0369=09=09tiedon-talo@kaapeli.fi / jokitalo@kaapeli.fi
###########################################################################=
*****
From: Roy Lewis <rcl@Onramp.NET>
The first thing is: Did your staff have Internet themselves long enough to
help the public? If not then consider would you hire a reference librarian
that did not know how to read? The Internet is in some ways like any other
reference tool and your staff must know it well so they can help patrons.
Your staff will be ask how to use the Internet and should have a real
answer not "I haven't had time to figure it out yet" or "We got it at the
same time that the public did"
Good luck
Roy Lewis
