Microcomputers dedicated to web based Databases

[Andrew J. Mutch]

Bill,

We have workstations that access both the WWW and on-line databases.  We
have reserved 2 stations for Internet only and 3 for both on-line
databases and CD products only.  We did this for the very reason that you
mentioned, we did not want people waiting to access the on-line databases
because the workstations were tied up with WWW surfers.

At times, Internet users have to wait while the on-line workstations sit
vacant(we usually don't have the opposite - the Internet gets a lot of
use).  However, in general, our users of the on-line databases usually
don't have to wait too long to get access.  From our point of view, its
better to have workstations reserved for this use than for WWW access.
Patrons can get WWW access pretty much anywhere.  On the other-hand, we
are the only location to access the on-line databases.

Good Luck!

Andrew Mutch
Northville District Library
Northville, MI


On Wed, 25 Mar 1998, Wilfred Drew wrote:

> We are considering setting aside one of our public microcomputers strictly
> for accessing databases via the web.  It would include access to
> FirstSearch, Database Trials, SIRS Researcher,Britannica Online, Materials
> SAfety DataSheets, and others as we find a need.  We have four public
> machines connected to the WWW.  All four are usually busy.  We have had
> people waiting to do research.  Dedicating one machine to our databases
> should relieve much of the waiting.
> 
> I am not after how others have done this.  I would like to know the results
> of libraries doing this and if you decided not to do it, why.  Please send
> responses directly to me.  I will summarize for the lists.
> --
> Wilfred Drew (Call me "Bill"); Associate Librarian (Systems, Reference)
> SUNY College of Ag. & Tech.;   P.O. Box 902;  Morrisville, NY 13408-0902
> E-mail: DREWWE at MORRISVILLE.EDU powwow:drewwe at wedrew.lib.morrisville.edu
> Phone: (315)684-6055 or 684-6060 Fax: (315)684-6115
> Homepage: <http://www.morrisville.edu/~drewwe/>
> Not Just Cows: <http://www.morrisville.edu/~drewwe/njc/>
> LibraryLinks: <http://www.morrisville.edu/pages/library/>
> Support the North East Dairy Compact. Help the family dairy farm survive.
> --
>