[WEB4LIB] Typing Papers on Library Computers

[Ramona Madewell]

I'm from a community college also and have dealt with the same issue.
We began allowing use of library computers for typing papers this year.
Did not in the past because of limited number of PC's, but 30 additional
computers were added just before school started last fall (money provided
by Texas Infrastructure Fund).  In anticipation of the demand the additional
computers and support for word processing would make on our staff, we asked
for and received new staff. Two full-time and one part-time positions are
designated as "library technicians" and are responsible for providing
hardware and software support for the 50+ public access machines and 13
staff computers.  We only support Microsoft Word, which sometimes poses a
problem when people have other software at home.  Other labs on campus
support Word Perfect, Works, and some others, I think.

Ramona Madewell
Assistant Director, Library Services
McLennan Community College
1400 College Drive
Waco, TX 76708
Phone:  254-299-8463
Fax:  254-299-8462
e-mail:  rjm at mcc.cc.tx.us


-----Original Message-----
From: web4lib at webjunction.org
[mailto:web4lib at webjunction.org]On Behalf Of John Rosenhamer
Sent: Thursday, April 15, 1999 11:14 AM
To: Multiple recipients of list
Subject: [WEB4LIB] Typing Papers on Library Computers


Cross posting to LIBNT also.

Presently our library (a community college library) does not allow typing of
papers.  Students can type papers in the Main Computer Lab, as well as
a number of Subject (Math, Composition, etc.) labs.  We came to this
decision because 1) when we had an area for typing papers, it took a lot
of circ staff time and effort to try to answer student questions.  2) the
college provides other areas  for students to do this.  3)  we feel that at
paper
time the computers would be used by typers thus not allowing other
activates.

We are revisiting this issue (one of those you come back to again and again)
and were wondering what the policies of other libraries might be in this
regard.

You can reply off list to the address in the signature below.

Thanking all in advance,

John


John H. Rosenhamer
Technical Services Librarian
Oklahoma City Community College
7777 South May Avenue
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73159
(405) 682-1611 Ext, 7229
 FAX: (405) 682-7585
 jrosenhamer at okc.cc.ok.us