[WEB4LIB] policing Internet usage

[Judy McBrian]

Lee Jouthas wrote

> .
> 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.
> Lee,

We are a smallish library with 8 pc'sfor the Internet  We allow 2 hours, more if
no one is  waiting, ask for sign ups (and allow reservations during library hours)
We ask for library cards, but issue temp cards for non residents, etc. and
actually check in and out the machines.  We had a similar problem and considered
limiting use also.  (we got a lot of "hey, look at the email I just sent
you......." stuff. (Actually I considered shouting hey! you!...go outside and
play!) Not to be disparaging,  but most of these youngsters have the attention
span of cocker spaniels.  In out case after about a week and half of driving us
crazy they moved on to other annoying pursuits.
We managed to remain polite and professional on the outside anyway.  :-)
Maybe this helps.

Judy McBrian
Boonville Warrick Public Library
jbrian at evansville.net