[WEB4LIB] Patrons causing problems with online gaming sites

[Michael Sauers]

As I read your story, I feel that the problem is the behavior of the
children, not the online games. I realize that I don't have the typical
reaction to these types of situations but if we start banning things because
people are abusing it, where does that stop.

Cell phone bans are usually where I present this argument. The problem is
not the cell phone, it's the asshat on the cell phone bothering other
people. Banning the cell phone is not the solution. Hey, I've needed to use
my cell phone to call someone while in the library to ask "is this the book
you wanted?" Should I need to go to the lobby, or even outside, to do this
if why behavior is not bothering anyone? (I'm whispering and my phone is on
vibrate.)

The kids are causing trouble. Ban their behavior, which I'm sure you've
already done, and/or ban the children from the computers and/or library as a
punishment for the behavior. Don't punish all the kids by banning games
since some of them are misbehaving.

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Michael Sauers, Librarian, Trainer & Author
Bibliographical Center for Research (BCR)
Aurora, CO :: 303-751-6277 x110 :: msauers at bcr.org
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> I am thinking of
> recommending to our director that we block these online gaming sites -
> or at the very least, threaten to block them.  I know we 
> would have some
> very angry young patrons, but if they refuse to use our computers
> responsibly (and these are brand-new high-end Dells), we have 
> no choice
> but to eliminate the main reason why they're on there.