policing Internet usage

[Lee Jouthas]

I work in a library with 20 public access Internet terminals.  These terminals 
are a recently installed upgrade to our catalog offering full Internet access 
including email, chat etc, plus our catalog and periodical databases.  

We ask users to limit themselves to 20 minutes when others are waiting for a 
terminal and there are signs to this effect in prominent locations.  Most 
people seem to not be observing the 20 minute limit so staff have found it 
necessary to make periodic announcements reminding people of the time limit.  
One of our worst problems is a group of young people who show up everyday and 
use the terminals to chat With Each Other!  I know other libraries have had 
this problem.

We are now discussing some possible solutions which include possibly making 
one or two terminals "express" stations only (5 minutes)...taking signups, (a 
solution no one wants; the workload for our reference desk for 20 terminals is
just mind boggling) or even blocking email/chat/games on selected terminals.  
(Perhaps the express terminals only?)  I don't even know if this can be done.

So my question to the list; have others dealt with this issue and has anyone 
come up with a creative way to increase turnover on their terminals in a fair 
and equitable manner?

Any input is much appreciated!

Lee Jouthas
Reference Librarian
Alameda County Library, Fremont Main
http://aclibrary.org

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