[10884] in Public-Access_Computer_Systems_Forum
Public Access to Word Processors
daemon@ATHENA.MIT.EDU (PACS-L Moderator)
Mon Dec 9 20:09:55 1996
Date: Mon, 09 Dec 1996 18:15:30 -0600 (CST)
From: PACS-L Moderator <libpacs@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>
----------------------------Original message----------------------------
From: ebend@apl.org (Evan Bend)
Subject: Public Access to Word Processors
Greetings:
This may be a bit of a throwback question, but here goes. We are a
mid-sized public library (70, 000 registred patrons and yearly door count
over 400,000). We have five public access Internet stations along with a
networked OPAC and Magazine Index and half a dozen stand alone CD-ROM
workstations. In addition, however, we get many many requests from our
patrons for access to word processors--something the library staff and
administration has debated regularly for many years (and regularly tabled
for further discussion). The primary concern seems to be that mantaining
and supervising a "writing lab" will overly stretch an already stretched
staff and result in sacrificing other services.
In a word, the staff is divided (probably more nays than yeas) and the
administration undecided, and I have been asked to find out how other
mid-sized libraries have handled the issue and what problems and/or
successes come to those who provide this service. Any comments,
suggestions, or pointers to previous discussions would be very helpful.
Thanks.
Evan Bend
Reference and Information Services
Appleton Public Library 225 N. Oneida Appleton, WI 54911
(Phone) 414-832-6175 (FAX) 414-832-6182
ebend@apl.org
