Everything on library public terminals

[Jay Smith]

The San Mateo County Library System is considering making
all computer services (library catalog, magazine index,
internet, etc.) available to the public on all public
terminals, i.e, "everything on every public terminal."  At
present we restrict terminals to specific functions.  Some
terminals provide only the library book catalog and magazine
index, other terminals provide only internet access, and
others make available just CD-ROM products.

We're interested in the experiences and musings of libraries
which do not restrict computer terminals in this way.  What's
your experience providing access to all services through all
terminals? Do internet users hog the terminals?  Do catalog
users get into fist fights with Internet junkies who call
the catalog users Luddites?

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   Jay Smith                               Tuesday and Thursday at
   Reference Librarian                     San Carlos Library
   San Mateo County Library                voice (650) 591-0342 ext. 235
   Technical Support Group                 fax (650) 591-1585
   Peninsula Library System                Wednesday and Friday at
                                           Foster City Library
                                           voice (650) 574-4842 ext. 235
                                           fax (650) 572-1875

   San Carlos Library                      Foster City Library
   610 Elm Street                          1000 East Hillsdale Boulevard
   San Carlos, CA 94070                    Foster City, CA 94404
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