Helping public library patrons with telnet

[Jason Biggers]

We also have a telnet guide posted at:
http://scfn.thpl.lib.fl.us/thpl/webmaster/public_access/thor_software.htm

Feel free to use the information as necessary for your situation.

On Wed, 4 Feb 1998, Sherie Brown wrote:

> are calling for help because they don't have telnet on their home PC, or
> have managed to download telnet but haven't configured their browser to
> find it, or are using AOL and can't find telnet, etc etc.  

> access the catalog without frustration. 

No frustration?  This will take some time to overcome.
Tech support?  It really is a matter of how much you want your customers
to use the new service.  A lot of hand holding is necessary and it may
take a lot of time initially but it does slow down.  The theory "teach
one, reach one" really comes in handy here.  For librarians it will always
be a tough choice of how much time to spend.  Maybe you could offer
classes in the evenings?  We do that here and it does help a lot.  You
can't give immediate service, but you are offering a free venue to learn
more.

    ***********************************************************************
    * Jason Mark Biggers, M.L.S.        |     biggerj at scfn.thpl.lib.fl.us *
    * Electronic Libraries Coordinator  |            813-224-8496         *   
    *        Webmaster                                                    *
    *           Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library System           *
    *              http://scfn.thpl.lib.fl.us/thpl/thpl.htm               *
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