Public Internet access and floppy drives

[MZaruba]

After much debate, our library opted to not allow downloads of any kind.  At
first we did, but we would have to disable our Full Armor software & then
stand over patrons while they did they downloading & that just was not
feasible.  And if you down stand there, they have full access to everything
& they change things around until it requires a good deal of staff time to
repair their tinkerings.

When we did allow downloading, we had them buy a disk, at cost, from us each
time.  Absolutely no floppies from outside were allowed.

Really, once people realized the reason for the policy, we didn't have any
problems or complaints.

Marilyn Zaruba

Mignon Morse wrote:

> Hello,
>
> We are getting ready to go up for public Internet use next week. The
> policy states that patrons are required to purchase a floppy disk to use
> the a drive.  How do you control the use of the "a" drive?  Do you lock
> it with software or with another type of locking device?  Do you require
> patrons to purchase a disk each time they want to use the drive?  Or do
> you allow them to bring back the floppy they have already purchased if
> it is labeled?  Any comments will be appreciated.
> --
> **************************
>   MIgnon Morse
>   Library Director
>   Smith Public Library
>   800 Thomas Street
>   Wylie, TX 75098
>   972-442-7566
>   972-442-4075 (fax)
>   http://www.wylie.tx.us/library/