[WEB4LIB] E-mail in Public Libraries

[Alicia Abramson]

Before a discussion of e-mail in libraries gets underway, I think it might
be useful to point out that there was a very lively and involved debate
about this on Web4Lib in October of 1998.  The whole range of opinions about
whether it's useful or not, should or shouldn't be allowed and why is
covered.  For starters, try this link:
 
http://sunsite.berkeley.edu/Web4Lib/archive/9810/subject.html#174
<http://sunsite.berkeley.edu/Web4Lib/archive/9810/subject.html#174> 
 
(I tried searching the subject heading "e-mail in Libraries" that was used
in many of the messages, but the search engine couldn't find the thread this
way).
 
 
Alicia
 
*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
Alicia Abramson
Director, Library Information Systems
University Library
California State University, Sacramento
abramson at csus.edu
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-----Original Message-----
From: Brent J. Pliskow [mailto:htwd at tln.lib.mi.us]
Sent: Wednesday, January 05, 2000 12:46 PM
To: Multiple recipients of list
Subject: [WEB4LIB] E-mail in Public Libraries


Here is an interesting question for everyone.  Our current Internet Usage
policy states that "e-mail can only be used at the discretion of a
librarian."  However, our patrons seem to ignore this policy and we have
since become lax in regards to regulating it.  Members of our staff do not
feel it is their job to be "policing" the computer room.  While I have been
home on break, I have observed the usage of our Internet workstations.
Without surprise, most people are checking their e-mail.  There are times
when all 5 computers are in use, checking their Hotmail, Yahoo!, or other
such free e-mail accounts.  This frustrates both myself and other members of
the staff.  We do not believe our patrons are making good use of the
resource we have provided them.  Moreover, we have "regulars" that spend an
entire afternoon sending e-mail.  I would be interested in hearing what
other public libraries do to control the use of e-mail.  What does your
policy state in regards to e-mail?
 
I would like to compile all of the responses and present them to the
Director and the Library Advisory Board.  Thank you for your time.
 
**************************
Brent J. Pliskow
Huntington Woods Public Library
Webmaster / Technology Assistant
Web Site: http://www.huntington-woods.lib.mi.us
<http://www.huntington-woods.lib.mi.us> 
E-mail: pliskowbj at hiram.edu <mailto:pliskowbj at hiram.edu> 
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