automated computer sign up
Dates: 5/22/02,2:55 PM through 5/28/02,10:36 AM (25 postings)
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Fiction_L Archives
automated computer sign up
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FROM: dmullen@wepl.lib.oh.us
REC'D: 5/22/02, 2:55 PM
FROM: Michele Beyke <beykemi@epicurus.oplin.lib.oh.us>
REC'D: 5/22/02, 3:06 PM
Michele Beyke
Circulation Clerk
New Madison Public Library
142 S Main St Box 32
New Madison, OH 45346
FROM: "Robin Deffendall" <rdeffend@cumberland.lib.nc.us>
REC'D: 5/22/02, 3:59 PM
We just installed a computer sign in system called Pharos. It has the
customer scan their library card, then checks to be sure that they have the
correct authorization (here kids under 16 must have parent's permission on
file) and that they are not delinquent owing fines or otherwise in bad
graces (another local rule). If all is well, they type in a pass word (the
first four letters of their last name) and then have five minutes to sign in
at the station they have been assigned to.
Admittedly, my branch has only been online with this since May 1, but it is
going pretty well. Some customers HATE it, and others are fine with it.
depends on their need for human contact and their familiarity with
technology, I presume. Personally, I feel it will free me up to do "real"
reference rather than spending the larger part of my time playing maitre d'.
Right now though we have to take each person by the hand to help them sign
in the first time. This should slack off after a while.
Once all the bugs and training issues are over, though, I think I'll like
it.
By the way, this system was not especially cheap, but we paid for it with
grant money. If you have the opportunity to work up a proposal, you might
consider it. I have high hopes for the system.
Robin Deffendall
Bordeaux Branch Library
Cumberland County Public Library and Information Center
Fayetteville, North Carolina
-----Original Message-----
From: Fiction_L@maillist.webrary.org
[mailto:Fiction_L@maillist.webrary.org]On Behalf Of
dmullen@wepl.lib.oh.us
Sent: Wednesday, May 22, 2002 3:53 PM
To: Fiction_L
Subject: automated computer sign up
Exactly how does your automated computer sign up system work? It sounds
like a wonderful idea!
FROM: Barry Trott <btrott@mail.wrl.org>
REC'D: 5/22/02, 4:20 PM
We were finding, as many libraries have, that over the past
couple of years that the reference staff were investing a great deal of
time and energy into dealing with computer issues -- signups,
printing problems, etc. Reference staff were feeling very discouraged, we
had all of the problems that have been mentioned about folks interrupting
reference interactions to get signed up and so on. Rather than going to an
automated signup system (which as Robin points out can be expensive), we
took the opposite tack in computer monitoring, and took ourselves out of
the picture.
So in October we added a few more computers in our Reference area (we went
from 8 Internet and 3 Word Processing to 16 computers that would do both
word processing and Internet), did away with signups and went to networked
printing (all printouts come to the circ desk and can be picked up and
paid for there. Since October, we have added a few more terminals as
dumb terminals have been replaced by PCs in preparation for a webcat.
This has had a remarkably positive impact for both staff and patrons.
Librarians are back to being able to spend time with patrons answering
questions and doing RA work without feeling that they needed to get back
to sign up a new computer user or tell someone that their time was up.
Although we often have all of the computers filled, there is very rarely a
long wait until one becomes free (we do have a self-monitored waiting area
for patrons). We also have 3 "Internet Express" terminals that are
self-monitored stand-up stations with a 15 minute limit and a clear line
for waiting. Although we were concerned at first that this might cause a
chaotic situation or arguments about who was on what computer when, thus
far we have not had any problems. Librarians do spend time working with
patrons on computers, but now it is helping them do research or use the
databases, rather than dealing with printer jams, empty ink cartridges,
and sign-ups.
Barry
*******************************************************************************
Barry Trott 7770 Croaker Rd.
Adult Services Director Williamsburg VA 23188
Williamsburg Regional Library Phone: 757-259-4053
btrott@mail.wrl.org FAX: 757-259-4079
http://www.wrl.org/bookweb/
*******************************************************************************
On Wed, 22 May 2002, Robin Deffendall wrote:
> Not to butt in when you asked someone else, but...
>
> We just installed a computer sign in system called Pharos. It has the
> customer scan their library card, then checks to be sure that they have the
> correct authorization (here kids under 16 must have parent's permission on
> file) and that they are not delinquent owing fines or otherwise in bad
> graces (another local rule). If all is well, they type in a pass word (the
> first four letters of their last name) and then have five minutes to sign in
> at the station they have been assigned to.
>
> Admittedly, my branch has only been online with this since May 1, but it is
> going pretty well. Some customers HATE it, and others are fine with it.
> depends on their need for human contact and their familiarity with
> technology, I presume. Personally, I feel it will free me up to do "real"
> reference rather than spending the larger part of my time playing maitre d'.
> Right now though we have to take each person by the hand to help them sign
> in the first time. This should slack off after a while.
>
> Once all the bugs and training issues are over, though, I think I'll like
> it.
>
> By the way, this system was not especially cheap, but we paid for it with
> grant money. If you have the opportunity to work up a proposal, you might
> consider it. I have high hopes for the system.
>
> Robin Deffendall
> Bordeaux Branch Library
> Cumberland County Public Library and Information Center
> Fayetteville, North Carolina
>
FROM: "Robin Deffendall" <rdeffend@cumberland.lib.nc.us>
REC'D: 5/22/02, 5:15 PM
But I can tell you that if we did not have something to kick them off after
an hour (Pharos does this too) we would have the same six people filling up
our six stations all day long doing chat and online gaming.
Here, the signin is vital.
Robin Deffendall
Bordeaux Branch Library
Cumberland County Public Library and Information Center
Fayetteville, North Carolina
-----Original Message-----
From: Marx, Charleen, JCL [mailto:MarxC@jocolibrary.org]
Sent: Wednesday, May 22, 2002 5:15 PM
To: 'Robin Deffendall '; 'Fiction_L '
Subject: RE: automated computer sign up
Just curious-do ALL libraries require sign-in for the Internet? We used to
at my library, back when we just had 4 stations with Internet use. Now we
have over 20 stations with Internet access and have since discontinued
sign-in. This was last May, actually, and it is amazing how much time it
saved staff. Internet questions alone do take a significant portion of
staff time, so we were relieved to eliminate the PC juggling act. We do not
have problems with people waiting or anything, so I am sure this is
something that varies depending on number of PC's available and patron
volume. However, we have opted not to install a program for sign-up just
yet. Does anyone know more about the programs? For instance, are they
strictly sign-in or do they track users and compile stats from data
collected? I remember reading that there are now programs that enable staff
to view patron screens-do those computers have sign-in? Signing off-not
in-Charleen Marx
FROM: Ellen Olson <Ellen@rockford.lib.il.us>
REC'D: 5/22/02, 5:26 PM
-----Original Message-----
From: Barry Trott
To: Fiction_L
Sent: 5/22/2002 4:11 PM
Subject: RE: automated computer sign up
I hope that this is not too off-topic to continue the discussion a bit.
We were finding, as many libraries have, that over the past
couple of years that the reference staff were investing a great deal of
time and energy into dealing with computer issues -- signups,
printing problems, etc. Reference staff were feeling very discouraged,
we
had all of the problems that have been mentioned about folks
interrupting
reference interactions to get signed up and so on. Rather than going to
an
automated signup system (which as Robin points out can be expensive), we
took the opposite tack in computer monitoring, and took ourselves out of
the picture.
So in October we added a few more computers in our Reference area (we
went
from 8 Internet and 3 Word Processing to 16 computers that would do both
word processing and Internet), did away with signups and went to
networked
printing (all printouts come to the circ desk and can be picked up and
paid for there. Since October, we have added a few more terminals as
dumb terminals have been replaced by PCs in preparation for a webcat.
This has had a remarkably positive impact for both staff and patrons.
Librarians are back to being able to spend time with patrons answering
questions and doing RA work without feeling that they needed to get back
to sign up a new computer user or tell someone that their time was up.
Although we often have all of the computers filled, there is very rarely
a
long wait until one becomes free (we do have a self-monitored waiting
area
for patrons). We also have 3 "Internet Express" terminals that are
self-monitored stand-up stations with a 15 minute limit and a clear line
for waiting. Although we were concerned at first that this might cause a
chaotic situation or arguments about who was on what computer when, thus
far we have not had any problems. Librarians do spend time working with
patrons on computers, but now it is helping them do research or use the
databases, rather than dealing with printer jams, empty ink cartridges,
and sign-ups.
Barry
************************************************************************
*******
Barry Trott 7770 Croaker Rd.
Adult Services Director Williamsburg VA 23188
Williamsburg Regional Library Phone: 757-259-4053
btrott@mail.wrl.org FAX: 757-259-4079
http://www.wrl.org/bookweb/
************************************************************************
*******
On Wed, 22 May 2002, Robin Deffendall wrote:
> Not to butt in when you asked someone else, but...
>
> We just installed a computer sign in system called Pharos. It has the
> customer scan their library card, then checks to be sure that they
have the
> correct authorization (here kids under 16 must have parent's
permission on
> file) and that they are not delinquent owing fines or otherwise in bad
> graces (another local rule). If all is well, they type in a pass word
(the
> first four letters of their last name) and then have five minutes to
sign in
> at the station they have been assigned to.
>
> Admittedly, my branch has only been online with this since May 1, but
it is
> going pretty well. Some customers HATE it, and others are fine with
it.
> depends on their need for human contact and their familiarity with
> technology, I presume. Personally, I feel it will free me up to do
"real"
> reference rather than spending the larger part of my time playing
maitre d'.
> Right now though we have to take each person by the hand to help them
sign
> in the first time. This should slack off after a while.
>
> Once all the bugs and training issues are over, though, I think I'll
like
> it.
>
> By the way, this system was not especially cheap, but we paid for it
with
> grant money. If you have the opportunity to work up a proposal, you
might
> consider it. I have high hopes for the system.
>
> Robin Deffendall
> Bordeaux Branch Library
> Cumberland County Public Library and Information Center
> Fayetteville, North Carolina
>
FROM: Andrew Smith <asmith@mail.wrl.org>
REC'D: 5/22/02, 6:31 PM
Having said that, we switched to this system after a summer in which
dozens of students from Eastern Europe came to work in the area
attractions, and for whom email and internet were the only was to keep up
with family and news from home. Waiting lines could get long (and no,
people wouldn't leave to get something to read because they lost their
place), and it required the equivalent of a full-time librarian to be what
I also jokingly called a maitre-d'. We'll see if we have to modify the
system when those students come back this summer. For the most part,
though, it has been phenomenally successful in terms of patron use and
employee morale, and none of us want to go back.
*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*
Andrew Smith asmith@mail.wrl.org
Readers Services Librarian
Williamsburg Regional Library (757) 259-4050
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
On Wed, 22 May 2002, Ellen Olson wrote:
> Do you have a time limit? Do your patrons use the honor system? Has anyone
> else out there tried this? (Just extremely curious. We just installed an
> automated system here.)
> Ellen Olson
> ellen@rockford.lib.il.us
> Rockford Public Library
> Rockford Illinois
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Barry Trott
> To: Fiction_L
> Sent: 5/22/2002 4:11 PM
> Subject: RE: automated computer sign up
>
> I hope that this is not too off-topic to continue the discussion a bit.
>
> We were finding, as many libraries have, that over the past
> couple of years that the reference staff were investing a great deal of
> time and energy into dealing with computer issues -- signups,
> printing problems, etc. Reference staff were feeling very discouraged,
> we
> had all of the problems that have been mentioned about folks
> interrupting
> reference interactions to get signed up and so on. Rather than going to
> an
> automated signup system (which as Robin points out can be expensive), we
> took the opposite tack in computer monitoring, and took ourselves out of
> the picture.
>
> So in October we added a few more computers in our Reference area (we
> went
> from 8 Internet and 3 Word Processing to 16 computers that would do both
> word processing and Internet), did away with signups and went to
> networked
> printing (all printouts come to the circ desk and can be picked up and
> paid for there. Since October, we have added a few more terminals as
> dumb terminals have been replaced by PCs in preparation for a webcat.
>
> This has had a remarkably positive impact for both staff and patrons.
> Librarians are back to being able to spend time with patrons answering
> questions and doing RA work without feeling that they needed to get back
> to sign up a new computer user or tell someone that their time was up.
> Although we often have all of the computers filled, there is very rarely
> a
> long wait until one becomes free (we do have a self-monitored waiting
> area
> for patrons). We also have 3 "Internet Express" terminals that are
> self-monitored stand-up stations with a 15 minute limit and a clear line
> for waiting. Although we were concerned at first that this might cause a
> chaotic situation or arguments about who was on what computer when, thus
> far we have not had any problems. Librarians do spend time working with
> patrons on computers, but now it is helping them do research or use the
> databases, rather than dealing with printer jams, empty ink cartridges,
> and sign-ups.
>
> Barry
>
> ************************************************************************
> *******
> Barry Trott 7770 Croaker Rd.
> Adult Services Director Williamsburg VA 23188
> Williamsburg Regional Library Phone: 757-259-4053
> btrott@mail.wrl.org FAX: 757-259-4079
> http://www.wrl.org/bookweb/
> ************************************************************************
> *******
>
> On Wed, 22 May 2002, Robin Deffendall wrote:
>
> > Not to butt in when you asked someone else, but...
> >
> > We just installed a computer sign in system called Pharos. It has the
> > customer scan their library card, then checks to be sure that they
> have the
> > correct authorization (here kids under 16 must have parent's
> permission on
> > file) and that they are not delinquent owing fines or otherwise in bad
> > graces (another local rule). If all is well, they type in a pass word
> (the
> > first four letters of their last name) and then have five minutes to
> sign in
> > at the station they have been assigned to.
> >
> > Admittedly, my branch has only been online with this since May 1, but
> it is
> > going pretty well. Some customers HATE it, and others are fine with
> it.
> > depends on their need for human contact and their familiarity with
> > technology, I presume. Personally, I feel it will free me up to do
> "real"
> > reference rather than spending the larger part of my time playing
> maitre d'.
> > Right now though we have to take each person by the hand to help them
> sign
> > in the first time. This should slack off after a while.
> >
> > Once all the bugs and training issues are over, though, I think I'll
> like
> > it.
> >
> > By the way, this system was not especially cheap, but we paid for it
> with
> > grant money. If you have the opportunity to work up a proposal, you
> might
> > consider it. I have high hopes for the system.
> >
> > Robin Deffendall
> > Bordeaux Branch Library
> > Cumberland County Public Library and Information Center
> > Fayetteville, North Carolina
> >
>
>
> ......................................................................
> Need to subscribe, unsubscribe, search the archives?
> Everything Fiction_L: http://www.webrary.org/rs/flmenu.html
>
> ......................................................................
> Need to subscribe, unsubscribe, search the archives?
> Everything Fiction_L: http://www.webrary.org/rs/flmenu.html
>
FROM: Heuer <cheuer@itol.com>
REC'D: 5/22/02, 6:41 PM
--
Jeanne Heuer
Brown County Library
Green Bay, WI
cheuer@itol.com
"Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes, Art is knowing which ones
to keep." -anonymous
> From: Andrew Smith <asmith@mail.wrl.org>
> Reply-To: "Fiction_L" <Fiction_L@maillist.webrary.org>
> Date: Wed, 22 May 2002 19:23:29 -0400 (EDT)
> To: Fiction_L <fiction_l@maillist.webrary.org>
> Subject: RE: automated computer sign up-question for Barry Trott
>
> On Barry's behalf, I can answer this: No and no. If someone was
> monopolizing the 15-minute standup stations with people waiting, we would
> get involved, but that hasn't happened since October. We also have
> several regular patrons who can spend close to an entire day doing email,
> playing games and surfing, but there are enough computers and enough
> turnover that we've really never experienced any conflict.
>
> Having said that, we switched to this system after a summer in which
> dozens of students from Eastern Europe came to work in the area
> attractions, and for whom email and internet were the only was to keep up
> with family and news from home. Waiting lines could get long (and no,
> people wouldn't leave to get something to read because they lost their
> place), and it required the equivalent of a full-time librarian to be what
> I also jokingly called a maitre-d'. We'll see if we have to modify the
> system when those students come back this summer. For the most part,
> though, it has been phenomenally successful in terms of patron use and
> employee morale, and none of us want to go back.
>
> *_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*
>
> Andrew Smith asmith@mail.wrl.org
> Readers Services Librarian
> Williamsburg Regional Library (757) 259-4050
> _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
> * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
>
> On Wed, 22 May 2002, Ellen Olson wrote:
>
>> Do you have a time limit? Do your patrons use the honor system? Has anyone
>> else out there tried this? (Just extremely curious. We just installed an
>> automated system here.)
>> Ellen Olson
>> ellen@rockford.lib.il.us
>> Rockford Public Library
>> Rockford Illinois
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: Barry Trott
>> To: Fiction_L
>> Sent: 5/22/2002 4:11 PM
>> Subject: RE: automated computer sign up
>>
>> I hope that this is not too off-topic to continue the discussion a bit.
>>
>> We were finding, as many libraries have, that over the past
>> couple of years that the reference staff were investing a great deal of
>> time and energy into dealing with computer issues -- signups,
>> printing problems, etc. Reference staff were feeling very discouraged,
>> we
>> had all of the problems that have been mentioned about folks
>> interrupting
>> reference interactions to get signed up and so on. Rather than going to
>> an
>> automated signup system (which as Robin points out can be expensive), we
>> took the opposite tack in computer monitoring, and took ourselves out of
>> the picture.
>>
>> So in October we added a few more computers in our Reference area (we
>> went
>> from 8 Internet and 3 Word Processing to 16 computers that would do both
>> word processing and Internet), did away with signups and went to
>> networked
>> printing (all printouts come to the circ desk and can be picked up and
>> paid for there. Since October, we have added a few more terminals as
>> dumb terminals have been replaced by PCs in preparation for a webcat.
>>
>> This has had a remarkably positive impact for both staff and patrons.
>> Librarians are back to being able to spend time with patrons answering
>> questions and doing RA work without feeling that they needed to get back
>> to sign up a new computer user or tell someone that their time was up.
>> Although we often have all of the computers filled, there is very rarely
>> a
>> long wait until one becomes free (we do have a self-monitored waiting
>> area
>> for patrons). We also have 3 "Internet Express" terminals that are
>> self-monitored stand-up stations with a 15 minute limit and a clear line
>> for waiting. Although we were concerned at first that this might cause a
>> chaotic situation or arguments about who was on what computer when, thus
>> far we have not had any problems. Librarians do spend time working with
>> patrons on computers, but now it is helping them do research or use the
>> databases, rather than dealing with printer jams, empty ink cartridges,
>> and sign-ups.
>>
>> Barry
>>
>> ************************************************************************
>> *******
>> Barry Trott 7770 Croaker Rd.
>> Adult Services Director Williamsburg VA 23188
>> Williamsburg Regional Library Phone: 757-259-4053
>> btrott@mail.wrl.org FAX: 757-259-4079
>> http://www.wrl.org/bookweb/
>> ************************************************************************
>> *******
>>
>> On Wed, 22 May 2002, Robin Deffendall wrote:
>>
>>> Not to butt in when you asked someone else, but...
>>>
>>> We just installed a computer sign in system called Pharos. It has the
>>> customer scan their library card, then checks to be sure that they
>> have the
>>> correct authorization (here kids under 16 must have parent's
>> permission on
>>> file) and that they are not delinquent owing fines or otherwise in bad
>>> graces (another local rule). If all is well, they type in a pass word
>> (the
>>> first four letters of their last name) and then have five minutes to
>> sign in
>>> at the station they have been assigned to.
>>>
>>> Admittedly, my branch has only been online with this since May 1, but
>> it is
>>> going pretty well. Some customers HATE it, and others are fine with
>> it.
>>> depends on their need for human contact and their familiarity with
>>> technology, I presume. Personally, I feel it will free me up to do
>> "real"
>>> reference rather than spending the larger part of my time playing
>> maitre d'.
>>> Right now though we have to take each person by the hand to help them
>> sign
>>> in the first time. This should slack off after a while.
>>>
>>> Once all the bugs and training issues are over, though, I think I'll
>> like
>>> it.
>>>
>>> By the way, this system was not especially cheap, but we paid for it
>> with
>>> grant money. If you have the opportunity to work up a proposal, you
>> might
>>> consider it. I have high hopes for the system.
>>>
>>> Robin Deffendall
>>> Bordeaux Branch Library
>>> Cumberland County Public Library and Information Center
>>> Fayetteville, North Carolina
>>>
>>
>>
>> ......................................................................
>> Need to subscribe, unsubscribe, search the archives?
>> Everything Fiction_L: http://www.webrary.org/rs/flmenu.html
>>
>> ......................................................................
>> Need to subscribe, unsubscribe, search the archives?
>> Everything Fiction_L: http://www.webrary.org/rs/flmenu.html
>>
>
>
> ......................................................................
> Need to subscribe, unsubscribe, search the archives?
> Everything Fiction_L: http://www.webrary.org/rs/flmenu.html
>
FROM: Barry Trott <btrott@mail.wrl.org>
REC'D: 5/23/02, 7:41 AM
This system may not work for everyone, it certainly requires enough
computers to keep the flow going, but it has worked well for us here at
WRL.
Barry
*******************************************************************************
Barry Trott 7770 Croaker Rd.
Adult Services Director Williamsburg VA 23188
Williamsburg Regional Library Phone: 757-259-4053
btrott@mail.wrl.org FAX: 757-259-4079
http://www.wrl.org/bookweb/
*******************************************************************************
On Wed, 22 May 2002, Ellen Olson wrote:
> Do you have a time limit? Do your patrons use the honor system? Has anyone
> else out there tried this? (Just extremely curious. We just installed an
> automated system here.)
> Ellen Olson
> ellen@rockford.lib.il.us
> Rockford Public Library
> Rockford Illinois
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Barry Trott
> To: Fiction_L
> Sent: 5/22/2002 4:11 PM
> Subject: RE: automated computer sign up
>
> I hope that this is not too off-topic to continue the discussion a bit.
>
> We were finding, as many libraries have, that over the past
> couple of years that the reference staff were investing a great deal of
> time and energy into dealing with computer issues -- signups,
> printing problems, etc. Reference staff were feeling very discouraged,
> we
> had all of the problems that have been mentioned about folks
> interrupting
> reference interactions to get signed up and so on. Rather than going to
> an
> automated signup system (which as Robin points out can be expensive), we
> took the opposite tack in computer monitoring, and took ourselves out of
> the picture.
>
> So in October we added a few more computers in our Reference area (we
> went
> from 8 Internet and 3 Word Processing to 16 computers that would do both
> word processing and Internet), did away with signups and went to
> networked
> printing (all printouts come to the circ desk and can be picked up and
> paid for there. Since October, we have added a few more terminals as
> dumb terminals have been replaced by PCs in preparation for a webcat.
>
> This has had a remarkably positive impact for both staff and patrons.
> Librarians are back to being able to spend time with patrons answering
> questions and doing RA work without feeling that they needed to get back
> to sign up a new computer user or tell someone that their time was up.
> Although we often have all of the computers filled, there is very rarely
> a
> long wait until one becomes free (we do have a self-monitored waiting
> area
> for patrons). We also have 3 "Internet Express" terminals that are
> self-monitored stand-up stations with a 15 minute limit and a clear line
> for waiting. Although we were concerned at first that this might cause a
> chaotic situation or arguments about who was on what computer when, thus
> far we have not had any problems. Librarians do spend time working with
> patrons on computers, but now it is helping them do research or use the
> databases, rather than dealing with printer jams, empty ink cartridges,
> and sign-ups.
>
> Barry
>
> ************************************************************************
> *******
> Barry Trott 7770 Croaker Rd.
> Adult Services Director Williamsburg VA 23188
> Williamsburg Regional Library Phone: 757-259-4053
> btrott@mail.wrl.org FAX: 757-259-4079
> http://www.wrl.org/bookweb/
> ************************************************************************
> *******
>
> On Wed, 22 May 2002, Robin Deffendall wrote:
>
> > Not to butt in when you asked someone else, but...
> >
> > We just installed a computer sign in system called Pharos. It has the
> > customer scan their library card, then checks to be sure that they
> have the
> > correct authorization (here kids under 16 must have parent's
> permission on
> > file) and that they are not delinquent owing fines or otherwise in bad
> > graces (another local rule). If all is well, they type in a pass word
> (the
> > first four letters of their last name) and then have five minutes to
> sign in
> > at the station they have been assigned to.
> >
> > Admittedly, my branch has only been online with this since May 1, but
> it is
> > going pretty well. Some customers HATE it, and others are fine with
> it.
> > depends on their need for human contact and their familiarity with
> > technology, I presume. Personally, I feel it will free me up to do
> "real"
> > reference rather than spending the larger part of my time playing
> maitre d'.
> > Right now though we have to take each person by the hand to help them
> sign
> > in the first time. This should slack off after a while.
> >
> > Once all the bugs and training issues are over, though, I think I'll
> like
> > it.
> >
> > By the way, this system was not especially cheap, but we paid for it
> with
> > grant money. If you have the opportunity to work up a proposal, you
> might
> > consider it. I have high hopes for the system.
> >
> > Robin Deffendall
> > Bordeaux Branch Library
> > Cumberland County Public Library and Information Center
> > Fayetteville, North Carolina
> >
>
>
> ......................................................................
> Need to subscribe, unsubscribe, search the archives?
> Everything Fiction_L: http://www.webrary.org/rs/flmenu.html
>
> ......................................................................
> Need to subscribe, unsubscribe, search the archives?
> Everything Fiction_L: http://www.webrary.org/rs/flmenu.html
>
FROM: Viccy Kemp <Viccy.Kemp@cityofcarrollton.com>
REC'D: 5/23/02, 8:24 AM
-----Original Message-----
From: Heuer [mailto:cheuer@itol.com]
Sent: Wednesday, May 22, 2002 6:40 PM
To: Fiction_L
Subject: Re: automated computer sign up-question for Barry Trott
I hope the list will bear with this, I have another question. Since 9/11 we
have had stricter rules at our library. Everyone must sign-up with a library
card. We have to write down first and last names, the card #, and initial
the entry before putting the person on the computer. If the person is from
out of town we have to make a copy of their drivers license, passport,
whatever and then all the name writing and intialing. Though your system
sounds heaven sent, our administration wants to cover their XYZ in case
someone does something really bad. Anyone else have that problem or concern?
--
Jeanne Heuer
Brown County Library
Green Bay, WI
cheuer@itol.com
"Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes, Art is knowing which ones
to keep." -anonymous
> From: Andrew Smith <asmith@mail.wrl.org>
> Reply-To: "Fiction_L" <Fiction_L@maillist.webrary.org>
> Date: Wed, 22 May 2002 19:23:29 -0400 (EDT)
> To: Fiction_L <fiction_l@maillist.webrary.org>
> Subject: RE: automated computer sign up-question for Barry Trott
>
> On Barry's behalf, I can answer this: No and no. If someone was
> monopolizing the 15-minute standup stations with people waiting, we would
> get involved, but that hasn't happened since October. We also have
> several regular patrons who can spend close to an entire day doing email,
> playing games and surfing, but there are enough computers and enough
> turnover that we've really never experienced any conflict.
>
> Having said that, we switched to this system after a summer in which
> dozens of students from Eastern Europe came to work in the area
> attractions, and for whom email and internet were the only was to keep up
> with family and news from home. Waiting lines could get long (and no,
> people wouldn't leave to get something to read because they lost their
> place), and it required the equivalent of a full-time librarian to be what
> I also jokingly called a maitre-d'. We'll see if we have to modify the
> system when those students come back this summer. For the most part,
> though, it has been phenomenally successful in terms of patron use and
> employee morale, and none of us want to go back.
>
>
*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*
>
> Andrew Smith asmith@mail.wrl.org
> Readers Services Librarian
> Williamsburg Regional Library (757) 259-4050
> _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
> * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
>
> On Wed, 22 May 2002, Ellen Olson wrote:
>
>> Do you have a time limit? Do your patrons use the honor system? Has
anyone
>> else out there tried this? (Just extremely curious. We just installed an
>> automated system here.)
>> Ellen Olson
>> ellen@rockford.lib.il.us
>> Rockford Public Library
>> Rockford Illinois
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: Barry Trott
>> To: Fiction_L
>> Sent: 5/22/2002 4:11 PM
>> Subject: RE: automated computer sign up
>>
>> I hope that this is not too off-topic to continue the discussion a bit.
>>
>> We were finding, as many libraries have, that over the past
>> couple of years that the reference staff were investing a great deal of
>> time and energy into dealing with computer issues -- signups,
>> printing problems, etc. Reference staff were feeling very discouraged,
>> we
>> had all of the problems that have been mentioned about folks
>> interrupting
>> reference interactions to get signed up and so on. Rather than going to
>> an
>> automated signup system (which as Robin points out can be expensive), we
>> took the opposite tack in computer monitoring, and took ourselves out of
>> the picture.
>>
>> So in October we added a few more computers in our Reference area (we
>> went
>> from 8 Internet and 3 Word Processing to 16 computers that would do both
>> word processing and Internet), did away with signups and went to
>> networked
>> printing (all printouts come to the circ desk and can be picked up and
>> paid for there. Since October, we have added a few more terminals as
>> dumb terminals have been replaced by PCs in preparation for a webcat.
>>
>> This has had a remarkably positive impact for both staff and patrons.
>> Librarians are back to being able to spend time with patrons answering
>> questions and doing RA work without feeling that they needed to get back
>> to sign up a new computer user or tell someone that their time was up.
>> Although we often have all of the computers filled, there is very rarely
>> a
>> long wait until one becomes free (we do have a self-monitored waiting
>> area
>> for patrons). We also have 3 "Internet Express" terminals that are
>> self-monitored stand-up stations with a 15 minute limit and a clear line
>> for waiting. Although we were concerned at first that this might cause a
>> chaotic situation or arguments about who was on what computer when, thus
>> far we have not had any problems. Librarians do spend time working with
>> patrons on computers, but now it is helping them do research or use the
>> databases, rather than dealing with printer jams, empty ink cartridges,
>> and sign-ups.
>>
>> Barry
>>
>> ************************************************************************
>> *******
>> Barry Trott 7770 Croaker Rd.
>> Adult Services Director Williamsburg VA 23188
>> Williamsburg Regional Library Phone: 757-259-4053
>> btrott@mail.wrl.org FAX: 757-259-4079
>> http://www.wrl.org/bookweb/
>> ************************************************************************
>> *******
>>
>> On Wed, 22 May 2002, Robin Deffendall wrote:
>>
>>> Not to butt in when you asked someone else, but...
>>>
>>> We just installed a computer sign in system called Pharos. It has the
>>> customer scan their library card, then checks to be sure that they
>> have the
>>> correct authorization (here kids under 16 must have parent's
>> permission on
>>> file) and that they are not delinquent owing fines or otherwise in bad
>>> graces (another local rule). If all is well, they type in a pass word
>> (the
>>> first four letters of their last name) and then have five minutes to
>> sign in
>>> at the station they have been assigned to.
>>>
>>> Admittedly, my branch has only been online with this since May 1, but
>> it is
>>> going pretty well. Some customers HATE it, and others are fine with
>> it.
>>> depends on their need for human contact and their familiarity with
>>> technology, I presume. Personally, I feel it will free me up to do
>> "real"
>>> reference rather than spending the larger part of my time playing
>> maitre d'.
>>> Right now though we have to take each person by the hand to help them
>> sign
>>> in the first time. This should slack off after a while.
>>>
>>> Once all the bugs and training issues are over, though, I think I'll
>> like
>>> it.
>>>
>>> By the way, this system was not especially cheap, but we paid for it
>> with
>>> grant money. If you have the opportunity to work up a proposal, you
>> might
>>> consider it. I have high hopes for the system.
>>>
>>> Robin Deffendall
>>> Bordeaux Branch Library
>>> Cumberland County Public Library and Information Center
>>> Fayetteville, North Carolina
>>>
>>
>>
>> ......................................................................
>> Need to subscribe, unsubscribe, search the archives?
>> Everything Fiction_L: http://www.webrary.org/rs/flmenu.html
>>
>> ......................................................................
>> Need to subscribe, unsubscribe, search the archives?
>> Everything Fiction_L: http://www.webrary.org/rs/flmenu.html
>>
>
>
> ......................................................................
> Need to subscribe, unsubscribe, search the archives?
> Everything Fiction_L: http://www.webrary.org/rs/flmenu.html
>
FROM: "Roberta Johnson" <rjohnson@dppl.org>
REC'D: 5/23/02, 12:30 PM
There is a definite readers niche for those who only browse New Books, but don't reserve books for whatever reason. They are true browsers -- and want something to read now, not whenever the reserve desk calls them.
We'll see how it all works out!
Roberta S. Johnson, Readers' Services Librarian
Des Plaines Public Library
1501 Ellinwood, Des Plaines, IL 60016
847-376-2816
rjohnson@dppl.org www.dppl.org
Opinions my own.
-----Original Message-----
From: Karen A.K. Keller [mailto:kkeller@brighton.lib.mi.us]
Sent: Tuesday, May 21, 2002 8:41 AM
To: Fiction_L
Subject: Re: your mail (fwd)
I have a question regarding how libraries determine how many copies of a
title to purchase based upon requests. Is "1 copy for every 5 reserves" a
rule of thumb that many use (how was this determined) or, what other ways
are used to determine (assuming that budget is a big factor) this?
---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Mon, 20 May 2002 09:05:06 -0500 (CDT)
To: Fiction_L <fiction_l@maillist.webrary.org>
Subject: Re: your mail
For example,let's say we have about 200 reserves on Danielle Steel's
books, so we purchase about 40 copies of the book (1 copy for every 5
reserves).
FROM: Vicki Novak - LIBRARYX <vickinovak@MAIL.MARICOPA.GOV>
REC'D: 5/23/02, 12:31 PM
Vicki Novak
Adult Services Librarian
vickinovak@mail.maricopa.gov
North Central Regional Library
Maricopa County Library District
17811 N. 32nd St.
Phoenix, AZ 85032
http://mcld.maricopa.gov
-----Original Message-----
From: Viccy Kemp [mailto:Viccy.Kemp@cityofcarrollton.com]
Sent: Thursday, May 23, 2002 6:19 AM
To: Fiction_L
Subject: RE: automated computer sign up-question for Barry Trott
...
You sign onto the network using your
library card which is double-checked in the patron database to see if you
have internet privileges.
Viccy Kemp
The opinions are my own; the library wouldn't want 'em.
FROM: Barry Trott <btrott@mail.wrl.org>
REC'D: 5/23/02, 1:03 PM
Barry
*******************************************************************************
Barry Trott 7770 Croaker Rd.
Adult Services Director Williamsburg VA 23188
Williamsburg Regional Library Phone: 757-259-4053
btrott@mail.wrl.org FAX: 757-259-4079
http://www.wrl.org/bookweb/
*******************************************************************************
On Thu, 23 May 2002, Roberta Johnson wrote:
> OUr ratio has always been one copy to three reserves, recently expanded to "two copies if the book is very long" as others have mentioned. However, this year we have experimented with throwing caution to the winds on a handful of authors, and purchasing about four times the number of copies that we normally would. We hope that there will actually be copies on the shelf for browsers. Jean Auel was the first author, and we have 25 copies, and of course, they're all out. We had about a dozen reserves when the copies arrived, and when they come back, three shelves of new fiction will be devoted to Jean Auel. :-) But I *hope* that we made twelve readers happy who wouldn't bother with reserves, but were interested in trying this author.
>
> There is a definite readers niche for those who only browse New Books, but don't reserve books for whatever reason. They are true browsers -- and want something to read now, not whenever the reserve desk calls them.
>
> We'll see how it all works out!
>
> Roberta S. Johnson, Readers' Services Librarian
> Des Plaines Public Library
> 1501 Ellinwood, Des Plaines, IL 60016
> 847-376-2816
> rjohnson@dppl.org www.dppl.org
> Opinions my own.
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Karen A.K. Keller [mailto:kkeller@brighton.lib.mi.us]
> Sent: Tuesday, May 21, 2002 8:41 AM
> To: Fiction_L
> Subject: Re: your mail (fwd)
>
>
> I have a question regarding how libraries determine how many copies of a
> title to purchase based upon requests. Is "1 copy for every 5 reserves" a
> rule of thumb that many use (how was this determined) or, what other ways
> are used to determine (assuming that budget is a big factor) this?
>
>
>
> ---------- Forwarded message ----------
> Date: Mon, 20 May 2002 09:05:06 -0500 (CDT)
> To: Fiction_L <fiction_l@maillist.webrary.org>
> Subject: Re: your mail
>
> For example,let's say we have about 200 reserves on Danielle Steel's
> books, so we purchase about 40 copies of the book (1 copy for every 5
> reserves).
>
>
>
> ......................................................................
> Need to subscribe, unsubscribe, search the archives?
> Everything Fiction_L: http://www.webrary.org/rs/flmenu.html
>
> ......................................................................
> Need to subscribe, unsubscribe, search the archives?
> Everything Fiction_L: http://www.webrary.org/rs/flmenu.html
>
FROM: Viccy Kemp <Viccy.Kemp@cityofcarrollton.com>
REC'D: 5/23/02, 1:03 PM
-----Original Message-----
From: Vicki Novak - LIBRARYX [mailto:vickinovak@MAIL.MARICOPA.GOV]
Sent: Thursday, May 23, 2002 11:40 AM
To: Fiction_L
Subject: RE: automated computer sign up-question for Barry Trott
Do you allow out of town visitors to check their e-mail? We will probably
be getting an automated sign up system, and I'm wondering how people without
library cards can use it.
Vicki Novak
Adult Services Librarian
vickinovak@mail.maricopa.gov
North Central Regional Library
Maricopa County Library District
17811 N. 32nd St.
Phoenix, AZ 85032
http://mcld.maricopa.gov
-----Original Message-----
From: Viccy Kemp [mailto:Viccy.Kemp@cityofcarrollton.com]
Sent: Thursday, May 23, 2002 6:19 AM
To: Fiction_L
Subject: RE: automated computer sign up-question for Barry Trott
...
You sign onto the network using your
library card which is double-checked in the patron database to see if you
have internet privileges.
Viccy Kemp
The opinions are my own; the library wouldn't want 'em.
FROM: "Lisa Colcord" <LColcord@CI.GLENDALE.AZ.US>
REC'D: 5/23/02, 1:14 PM
Lisa
Lisa Colcord
Librarian
Glendale Public library
Glendale, AZ
....my views are my own....
-The secret to life is enjoying the passage of time- James Taylor
>>> vickinovak@MAIL.MARICOPA.GOV 05/23/02 09:40AM >>>
Do you allow out of town visitors to check their e-mail? We will probably
be getting an automated sign up system, and I'm wondering how people without
library cards can use it.
Vicki Novak
Adult Services Librarian
vickinovak@mail.maricopa.gov
North Central Regional Library
Maricopa County Library District
17811 N. 32nd St.
Phoenix, AZ 85032
http://mcld.maricopa.gov
-----Original Message-----
From: Viccy Kemp [mailto:Viccy.Kemp@cityofcarrollton.com]
Sent: Thursday, May 23, 2002 6:19 AM
To: Fiction_L
Subject: RE: automated computer sign up-question for Barry Trott
...
You sign onto the network using your
library card which is double-checked in the patron database to see if you
have internet privileges.
Viccy Kemp
The opinions are my own; the library wouldn't want 'em.
FROM: Wendy Isom <wisom@pub-lib.ci.arlington.tx.us>
REC'D: 5/23/02, 1:25 PM
We are able to sign people in as "guest users." This works nicely for
out-of-town visitors, but we do have some regulars who have figured out how
to sign themselves on as guests.
Wendy
Arlington Public Library
Arlington, Texas
-----Original Message-----
From: Vicki Novak - LIBRARYX [mailto:vickinovak@MAIL.MARICOPA.GOV]
Sent: Thursday, May 23, 2002 11:40 AM
To: Fiction_L
Subject: RE: automated computer sign up-question for Barry Trott
Do you allow out of town visitors to check their e-mail? We will probably
be getting an automated sign up system, and I'm wondering how people without
library cards can use it.
Vicki Novak
Adult Services Librarian
vickinovak@mail.maricopa.gov
North Central Regional Library
Maricopa County Library District
17811 N. 32nd St.
Phoenix, AZ 85032
http://mcld.maricopa.gov
-----Original Message-----
From: Viccy Kemp [mailto:Viccy.Kemp@cityofcarrollton.com]
Sent: Thursday, May 23, 2002 6:19 AM
To: Fiction_L
Subject: RE: automated computer sign up-question for Barry Trott
...
You sign onto the network using your
library card which is double-checked in the patron database to see if you
have internet privileges.
Viccy Kemp
The opinions are my own; the library wouldn't want 'em.
FROM: "Siewert, Karl" <ksiewer@tulsalibrary.org>
REC'D: 5/23/02, 1:36 PM
Out-of-town visitors can use a visitor card (kept at the ref desk) for one
time only. If they are in town for an extended stay, they can get a
temporary card at the circ desk.
Right now, printing is pay-as-you-go and on the honor system. There are no
waiting lists for computer use. If a patron asks, we tell them it's first
come, first serve, and they just need to wait for someone's time to expire.
We rarely have a lot of people waiting.
--
Karl G. Siewert, MLIS | 250-7307
Business Reference Librarian | ksiewer@
Hardesty Regional Library | tulsalibrary
Tulsa City-County Library System | .org
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Subject: RE: automated computer sign up-question for Barry Trott
> From: "Vicki Novak - LIBRARYX" <vickinovak@MAIL.MARICOPA.GOV>
> Date: Thu, 23 May 2002 09:40:21 -0700
>
> Do you allow out of town visitors to check their e-mail? We
> will probably
> be getting an automated sign up system, and I'm wondering how
> people without
> library cards can use it.
>
> Vicki Novak
> Adult Services Librarian
> vickinovak@mail.maricopa.gov
>
> North Central Regional Library
> Maricopa County Library District
> 17811 N. 32nd St.
> Phoenix, AZ 85032
> http://mcld.maricopa.gov
FROM: "Nora M. Armstrong" <narmstro@clsn1269.cumberland.lib.nc.us>
REC'D: 5/23/02, 1:58 PM
> Do you allow out of town visitors to check their e-mail? We will probably
> be getting an automated sign up system, and I'm wondering how people without
> library cards can use it.
>
> Vicki Novak
Vicki--
I'm not Barry - I don't even play him on TV. :-) But here's an answer to
your question:
In our system, there's a dedicated terminal at the HQU Library for e-mail.
Out-of-towners who want to check e-mail (major providers only - hotmail,
yahoo, AOL, and a couple of others) can sign in at the Info Desk, and are
limited to 15 minutes. If out-of-towners show up at the branches looking
for this sort of feature, staff refers them to HQU.
Nora Armstorng
CCPL&IC
Fayetteville NC
FROM: Ina Bootle <bootlei@ccl.charleston.lib.sc.us>
REC'D: 5/23/02, 4:59 PM
I seldom see anyone mention using services like Brodart's McNaughton plan.
We use our plan strictly for items with reserve lists. For example, I would
normally order about 30 "permanent" copies of a Grisham title for our
library system (15 branches and a bookmobile). Then, I would order 50, 100,
even 150 McNaughton copies depending on the number of reserves, so that we
meet that 1:3 ratio. Once the reserve lists are filled and copies begin to
"sit" on the shelf, we start sending back the McNaughton copies, and we
don't have to worry about what to do with all those extra copies.
At 11:36 AM 5/23/02 -0500, you wrote:
>OUr ratio has always been one copy to three reserves, recently expanded to
"two copies if the book is very long" as others have mentioned. However,
this year we have experimented with throwing caution to the winds on a
handful of authors, and purchasing about four times the number of copies
that we normally would. We hope that there will actually be copies on the
shelf for browsers. Jean Auel was the first author, and we have 25 copies,
and of course, they're all out. We had about a dozen reserves when the
copies arrived, and when they come back, three shelves of new fiction will
be devoted to Jean Auel. :-) But I *hope* that we made twelve readers
happy who wouldn't bother with reserves, but were interested in trying this
author.
>
>There is a definite readers niche for those who only browse New Books, but
don't reserve books for whatever reason. They are true browsers -- and
want something to read now, not whenever the reserve desk calls them.
>
>We'll see how it all works out!
>
>Roberta S. Johnson, Readers' Services Librarian
>Des Plaines Public Library
>1501 Ellinwood, Des Plaines, IL 60016
>847-376-2816
>rjohnson@dppl.org www.dppl.org
>Opinions my own.
>
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: Karen A.K. Keller [mailto:kkeller@brighton.lib.mi.us]
>Sent: Tuesday, May 21, 2002 8:41 AM
>To: Fiction_L
>Subject: Re: your mail (fwd)
>
>
>I have a question regarding how libraries determine how many copies of a
>title to purchase based upon requests. Is "1 copy for every 5 reserves" a
>rule of thumb that many use (how was this determined) or, what other ways
>are used to determine (assuming that budget is a big factor) this?
>
>
>
>---------- Forwarded message ----------
>Date: Mon, 20 May 2002 09:05:06 -0500 (CDT)
>To: Fiction_L <fiction_l@maillist.webrary.org>
>Subject: Re: your mail
>
>For example,let's say we have about 200 reserves on Danielle Steel's
>books, so we purchase about 40 copies of the book (1 copy for every 5
>reserves).
>
>
>
>......................................................................
>Need to subscribe, unsubscribe, search the archives?
>Everything Fiction_L: http://www.webrary.org/rs/flmenu.html
>
>......................................................................
>Need to subscribe, unsubscribe, search the archives?
>Everything Fiction_L: http://www.webrary.org/rs/flmenu.html
>
Ina L. Bootle
Collection Development
Charleston County Public Library Phone: 843-805-6858
68 Calhoun Street Fax: 843-727-3749
Charleston, South Carolina 29401 E-mail: bootlei@ccpl.org
FROM: "O_Alicia(Alicia Ahlvers)" <O_Alicia@kclibrary.org>
REC'D: 5/23/02, 5:19 PM
Thanks,
Alicia Ahlvers
Senior Services Librarian
Kansas City Public Library
311 E. 12th St.
Kansas City MO 64105
(816) 701-3569
o_alicia@kclibrary.org
-----Original Message-----
From: Viccy Kemp [mailto:Viccy.Kemp@cityofcarrollton.com]
Sent: Thursday, May 23, 2002 8:19 AM
To: Fiction_L
Subject: RE: automated computer sign up-question for Barry Trott
I would be very careful with this type of system. At PLA, the Washington
office of ALA did a program on the U.S. Patriot Act and it boiled down to
"If you have it, they can take it." In other words, if you keep this
information for any length of time, law enforcement can take this
information with a subpoena. I would highly recommend shredding this
information after you've taken your statistical information.
Please be careful with people's privacy. Just my opinion and I'm sticking to
it. On the other hand, our system is automated and kicks people off for 30
minutes after a two hour use period. You sign onto the network using your
library card which is double-checked in the patron database to see if you
have internet privileges. Viccy Kemp The opinions are my own; the library
wouldn't want 'em.
FROM: "Musser Reference" <refmus@libby.rbls.lib.il.us>
REC'D: 5/24/02, 9:37 AM
I can finally help someone else out! We're a mid-size library situated in a
community of about 24,000.
We went from zero public Internet computers almost two years ago to eleven.
We sign people in & out on paper, with registrations posted on an Excel
spreadsheet. I manually do stats monthly & just completed an interesting
diagnosis of the number of new Internet users who became new library card
holders & those who started off with fines who have voluntarily paid fines,
etc. After school times & weekends are often a zoo & the summer reading
program is another peak time of year when we're swamped. If we didn't sign
people in & out & bump longer usage people for newer people, we'd have some
patrons on our computers ten hours a day & unfairly penalize new patrons.
We've spent months discussing & looking at SAM, Pharos, & Library Guardian
as automated vendors. I can send you copies of all the paperwork we've
accumulated on the three companies, including writen references for the
three. Everyone who uses any automated product loves it. All three do
stats for you...all three allow patrons to make their own reservations
Pharos did an on-line demo for us & the demo turned us off (poorly done).
SAM sent us a cd-rom demo that was very professional. Library Guardian has
done the best in e-mail & phone responses to our questions. We've zeroed in
on Library Guardian for the following reasons:
1) We don't have to purchase a separate server.
2) This is very new technology & LG is the oldest vendor with the most
experience ironing out kinks
3) This seems to be the wave of the future, offering us ONE card for
library circulation, computer usage, photocopies/microfilm copies.
Our director (Peter Press) is in the middle of a grant proposal seeking
money to help us to cover the expense (all three cost $$$). We're hoping to
be utilizing automation by the fall.
Let me know if you'd like a copy of the file I've accumulated on the three
vendors.
Robyn Clark-Bridges
Internet Coordinator
Reference Department
304 Iowa Avenue
Muscatine, IA 52761
563-263-3472
refmus@libby.rbls.lib.il.us
-----Original Message-----
From: Fiction_L@maillist.webrary.org
[mailto:Fiction_L@maillist.webrary.org]On Behalf Of Robin Deffendall
Sent: Wednesday, May 22, 2002 5:03 PM
To: Fiction_L
Subject: RE: automated computer sign up
Our Pharos system records statistics and there is some sort or program that
allows us to track which exact customer downloaded the unauthorized
software, etc. I'm not sure that that piece is part of Pharos. Our tech
people handled all that stuff.
But I can tell you that if we did not have something to kick them off after
an hour (Pharos does this too) we would have the same six people filling up
our six stations all day long doing chat and online gaming.
Here, the signin is vital.
Robin Deffendall
Bordeaux Branch Library
Cumberland County Public Library and Information Center
Fayetteville, North Carolina
-----Original Message-----
From: Marx, Charleen, JCL [mailto:MarxC@jocolibrary.org]
Sent: Wednesday, May 22, 2002 5:15 PM
To: 'Robin Deffendall '; 'Fiction_L '
Subject: RE: automated computer sign up
Just curious-do ALL libraries require sign-in for the Internet? We used to
at my library, back when we just had 4 stations with Internet use. Now we
have over 20 stations with Internet access and have since discontinued
sign-in. This was last May, actually, and it is amazing how much time it
saved staff. Internet questions alone do take a significant portion of
staff time, so we were relieved to eliminate the PC juggling act. We do not
have problems with people waiting or anything, so I am sure this is
something that varies depending on number of PC's available and patron
volume. However, we have opted not to install a program for sign-up just
yet. Does anyone know more about the programs? For instance, are they
strictly sign-in or do they track users and compile stats from data
collected? I remember reading that there are now programs that enable staff
to view patron screens-do those computers have sign-in? Signing off-not
in-Charleen Marx
FROM: "Monticello-Union Twp Library" <mutpl@monticello.lib.in.us>
REC'D: 5/24/02, 11:11 AM
Mary Kestle
Monticello Public Library
321 W Broadway St.
Monticello, IN 47960
574-583-BOOK
"Help stamp out and eradicate superfluous redundancy."
-----Original Message-----
From: "Musser Reference" <refmus@libby.rbls.lib.il.us>
To: Fiction_L <fiction_l@maillist.webrary.org>
Date: Fri, 24 May 2002 09:39:08 -0500
Subject: RE: automated computer sign up
> Hello--
>
> I can finally help someone else out! We're a mid-size library situated
> in a
> community of about 24,000.
>
> We went from zero public Internet computers almost two years ago to
> eleven.
> We sign people in & out on paper, with registrations posted on an Excel
> spreadsheet. I manually do stats monthly & just completed an
> interesting
> diagnosis of the number of new Internet users who became new library
> card
> holders & those who started off with fines who have voluntarily paid
> fines,
> etc. After school times & weekends are often a zoo & the summer
> reading
> program is another peak time of year when we're swamped. If we didn't
> sign
> people in & out & bump longer usage people for newer people, we'd have
> some
> patrons on our computers ten hours a day & unfairly penalize new
> patrons.
>
> We've spent months discussing & looking at SAM, Pharos, & Library
> Guardian
> as automated vendors. I can send you copies of all the paperwork we've
> accumulated on the three companies, including writen references for the
> three. Everyone who uses any automated product loves it. All three do
> stats for you...all three allow patrons to make their own reservations
>
> Pharos did an on-line demo for us & the demo turned us off (poorly
> done).
> SAM sent us a cd-rom demo that was very professional. Library Guardian
> has
> done the best in e-mail & phone responses to our questions. We've
> zeroed in
> on Library Guardian for the following reasons:
>
> 1) We don't have to purchase a separate server.
>
> 2) This is very new technology & LG is the oldest vendor with the most
> experience ironing out kinks
>
> 3) This seems to be the wave of the future, offering us ONE card for
> library circulation, computer usage, photocopies/microfilm copies.
>
> Our director (Peter Press) is in the middle of a grant proposal seeking
> money to help us to cover the expense (all three cost $$$). We're
> hoping to
> be utilizing automation by the fall.
>
> Let me know if you'd like a copy of the file I've accumulated on the
> three
> vendors.
>
> Robyn Clark-Bridges
> Internet Coordinator
>
> Reference Department
> 304 Iowa Avenue
> Muscatine, IA 52761
> 563-263-3472
> refmus@libby.rbls.lib.il.us
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Fiction_L@maillist.webrary.org
> [mailto:Fiction_L@maillist.webrary.org]On Behalf Of Robin Deffendall
> Sent: Wednesday, May 22, 2002 5:03 PM
> To: Fiction_L
> Subject: RE: automated computer sign up
>
>
> Our Pharos system records statistics and there is some sort or program
> that
> allows us to track which exact customer downloaded the unauthorized
> software, etc. I'm not sure that that piece is part of Pharos. Our tech
> people handled all that stuff.
>
> But I can tell you that if we did not have something to kick them off
> after
> an hour (Pharos does this too) we would have the same six people
> filling up
> our six stations all day long doing chat and online gaming.
>
> Here, the signin is vital.
>
> Robin Deffendall
> Bordeaux Branch Library
> Cumberland County Public Library and Information Center
> Fayetteville, North Carolina
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Marx, Charleen, JCL [mailto:MarxC@jocolibrary.org]
> Sent: Wednesday, May 22, 2002 5:15 PM
> To: 'Robin Deffendall '; 'Fiction_L '
> Subject: RE: automated computer sign up
>
>
> Just curious-do ALL libraries require sign-in for the Internet? We
> used to
> at my library, back when we just had 4 stations with Internet use. Now
> we
> have over 20 stations with Internet access and have since discontinued
> sign-in. This was last May, actually, and it is amazing how much time
> it
> saved staff. Internet questions alone do take a significant portion of
> staff time, so we were relieved to eliminate the PC juggling act. We
> do not
> have problems with people waiting or anything, so I am sure this is
> something that varies depending on number of PC's available and patron
> volume. However, we have opted not to install a program for sign-up
> just
> yet. Does anyone know more about the programs? For instance, are they
> strictly sign-in or do they track users and compile stats from data
> collected? I remember reading that there are now programs that enable
> staff
> to view patron screens-do those computers have sign-in? Signing
> off-not
> in-Charleen Marx
>
>
>
>
> .......................................................................
> Need to subscribe, unsubscribe, search the archives?
> Everything Fiction_L: http://www.webrary.org/rs/flmenu.html
>
>
> .......................................................................
> Need to subscribe, unsubscribe, search the archives?
> Everything Fiction_L: http://www.webrary.org/rs/flmenu.html
FROM: Jackie Choate <jchoate@pelican.state.lib.la.us>
REC'D: 5/24/02, 11:43 AM
Jackie Choate
Director
Vermilion Parish Library
P.O. Drawer 640
Abbeville, LA 70511
At 09:39 AM 5/24/02 -0500, you wrote:
>Hello--
>
>I can finally help someone else out! We're a mid-size library situated in a
>community of about 24,000.
>
>We went from zero public Internet computers almost two years ago to eleven.
>We sign people in & out on paper, with registrations posted on an Excel
>spreadsheet. I manually do stats monthly & just completed an interesting
>diagnosis of the number of new Internet users who became new library card
>holders & those who started off with fines who have voluntarily paid fines,
>etc. After school times & weekends are often a zoo & the summer reading
>program is another peak time of year when we're swamped. If we didn't sign
>people in & out & bump longer usage people for newer people, we'd have some
>patrons on our computers ten hours a day & unfairly penalize new patrons.
>
>We've spent months discussing & looking at SAM, Pharos, & Library Guardian
>as automated vendors. I can send you copies of all the paperwork we've
>accumulated on the three companies, including writen references for the
>three. Everyone who uses any automated product loves it. All three do
>stats for you...all three allow patrons to make their own reservations
>
>Pharos did an on-line demo for us & the demo turned us off (poorly done).
>SAM sent us a cd-rom demo that was very professional. Library Guardian has
>done the best in e-mail & phone responses to our questions. We've zeroed in
>on Library Guardian for the following reasons:
>
>1) We don't have to purchase a separate server.
>
>2) This is very new technology & LG is the oldest vendor with the most
>experience ironing out kinks
>
>3) This seems to be the wave of the future, offering us ONE card for
>library circulation, computer usage, photocopies/microfilm copies.
>
>Our director (Peter Press) is in the middle of a grant proposal seeking
>money to help us to cover the expense (all three cost $$$). We're hoping to
>be utilizing automation by the fall.
>
>Let me know if you'd like a copy of the file I've accumulated on the three
>vendors.
>
>Robyn Clark-Bridges
>Internet Coordinator
>
>Reference Department
>304 Iowa Avenue
>Muscatine, IA 52761
>563-263-3472
>refmus@libby.rbls.lib.il.us
>
Jackie Choate, Director
Vermilion Parish Library
200 N. Magdalen Square
PO Drawer 640
Abbeville, la. 70510/70511
Phone 337-893-2655
Fax 337-898-0526
jchoate@pelican.state.lib.la.us
www.vermilion.lib.la.us
FROM: "Jennifer Hendzlik" <jenniferh@mail.sgcl.org>
REC'D: 5/24/02, 2:37 PM
1. Doing away with internet sign in--when we opened our new
facility over two years ago we had so many computers we thought
why sign in? Then, there were the fist fights and arguments and
then our internet provider set some guidelines that indicated that
we could not have faceless, nameless patrons floating around doing
things like making bomb threats. There had to be accountability
or we would loose our provider.
2. Sign in-we have tried Pharos with little luck. We switched to
SAM which is working much better but still has some glitches.
~Jen
FROM: "Cannon, Heather" <hcannon@uillinois.edu>
REC'D: 5/28/02, 10:36 AM
Heather Cannon
Academic Hourly
Illinois Virtual Campus
510 Devonshire Dr.
Champaign, IL 61824
Phone: 217-244-9531
Fax: 217-333-5581
WWW: http://www.ivc.illinois.edu
> -----Original Message-----
> From: cheuer@itol.com [mailto:cheuer@itol.com]
> Sent: Friday, May 24, 2002 1:17 PM
> To: Fiction_L
> Subject: RE: automated computer sign up
>
>
>
> And as to what we do with all the paper records we have, well
> the same as all the library card applications and other such
> records. They are stored and if law enforcement wished to
> access them they would have to have a subpeona. We have never
> had such a request but
> we once had the police inform us that a certain person was
> not allowed on public internets as part of his parole
> agreement because he had done soliciting for minors or some
> such lovely thing on the internet. Thus knowing the name to
> look for as we signed people up was helpful. Not that I want
> to be a part of any of this. I just want to do RA and
> reference work and help people with their research but many
> more responsibilities come with the job than I ever imagined.
>
> If you need more info on the recordkeeping and such contact
> me off list and I will put you in touch with the director.
>
> Jeanne Heuer
> Brown County Library
>
> ......................................................................
> Need to subscribe, unsubscribe, search the archives?
> Everything Fiction_L: http://www.webrary.org/rs/flmenu.html
>
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