[WEB4LIB] RE: Internet in Childrens' department

[Phillip Whitford]

 Yvonne Parton wrote:

> This might start another discussion thread...
> Our policy is to treat patrons accessing "inappropriate" sites
> (yes this is
> very subjective) as a disruptive incident and we treat this as we
> would any
> other disruptive incident.  We ask the patron to "refrain"/back out of the
> site.  If they continue to disrupt the others around them, our
> librarian or
> clerk has the authority to ask them to leave the library and restrict them
> from using the equipment for a period of time if necessary.

We do the same thing. Happily, it doesn't happen often.

Phillip B. Whitford
Braswell Memorial Library
Rocky Mount NC
Opinions expressed are not necessarily those of Braswell Library.


> -----Original Message-----
> From: web4lib at webjunction.org
> [mailto:web4lib at webjunction.org]On Behalf Of Yvonne Parton
> Sent: Friday, August 18, 2000 12:28 PM
> To: Multiple recipients of list
> Subject: [WEB4LIB] RE: Internet in Childrens' department
>
>
> We have a two level library.  Our children's computers are on the second
> floor in the children's area.  They are filtered equipment, and we use
> Cybersitter.  We chose Cybersitter because it was one of few (at the
> time)that supported Windows NT.  Any child of any age may use this
> equipment, it is restricted for 18 and above.  The equipment is located
> around the corner from the YS Coordinator office (not really
> ideal). But if
> your children's librarian is doing the job, there out there and aware of
> what is going on.
>
> We have equipment on the first floor for adult users  and children
> accompanied by parents(unfiltered).  In addition, we have a
> separate library
> card for children under 18 whose parents have given them permission to use
> the unfiltered machines.
>
> Honestly, there are very few children who have applied for the
> special card.
> Most of the kids use the equipment upstairs, but we do not have
> enough.  We
> presently have two computers, with two more on the way.  Use is limited to
> one hour, they may contine to use the computer if there is no one waiting.
>
> It would be nice to provide additional equipment for specialized use (word
> processing, database research, etc.)  We will probably be
> examining this in
> the near future.  Our state library commission just purchased licenses for
> PLATO on-line use throughout the state.  Our one hour usage
> policy will have
> to be re-examined for that.
>
> At our smaller branches, (one level buildings) the children's equipment is
> located in each of the children's areas.  Adult equipment is
> located as far
> away as possible.
>
> That's my large nutshell,
>
> Yvonne Parton
> Staff Development Officer
> Jackson-George Regional Library
> 228/769-3060 X 225
> yparton at jgrl.lib.ms.us
>