[WEB4LIB] Everything on library public terminals

[Nancy Sosna Bohm]

My somewhat limited observation has been that emailers clog the bandwidth
which causes slow-loading to subscription databases.  Also, researchers are
generally too polite (or, maybe it's cowed) to even look at the screens of
emailers, let alone ask when the terminal will be free.  It's really a
matter of resource ratios.
----- Original Message -----
From: Jay Smith <smithj at pls.lib.ca.us>
To: Multiple recipients of list <web4lib at webjunction.org>
Sent: Tuesday, January 04, 2000 7:59 PM
Subject: [WEB4LIB] Everything on library public terminals


>
> 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?
>
> ************************************************************************
>    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
> ************************************************************************