[WEB4LIB] policing Internet usage

[Christopher Jackson]

We're a very small branch library with only 3 Net terminals.  Our method
works quite well for us, but I'm not sure how it would scale up.

We use a self-signup procedure.  Each net terminal has a small clipboard
with a sheet of paper that reads:

============================================================

INTERNET TERMINAL SIGN-UP

*Sign up for one 1/2 hour period
*After completing 1/2 hour of use, you may sign up 
for a second 1/2 hour behind anyone who is waiting
*Total daily use is 1 hour
*Make sure your signup reflects the time you actually start

Initials:          Time:

__________         _________

__________         _________


[There are enough lines for an entire day's worth of sign-up.]

=================================================================

The system is designed so that patrons themselves regulate it.  Staff
usually aren't involved in the process.

Of course it's far from perfect, and we do need to step in to mediate
disputes, enforce the limit, and deal with people who forgot to sign in,
or, in the case of one particular person, who put down the wrong time
intentionally.

But despite these flaws, it's the best system we know of. 


Chris

    Christopher Jackson                    cjackson at monroe.lib.in.us	
    Reference/Automation Librarian         voice: (812) 876-1272
    Monroe County Public Library           fax: (812) 876-2515
    Ellettsville, IN  47429                http://www.monroe.lib.in.us/


On Wed, 21 Jul 1999, Lee Jouthas wrote:

> 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
> 
> *************************************
> 
>