[Web4lib] how many public access computers?

[David Walker]

This is a tough question, and may depend in part on what other computers
are available to your users -- particularly for academic libraries.

We recently moved into a new library building and outfitted it with 250+
computers for about 5,000 FTE students.  That was, by all calculations,
more than what we needed, given the presence of existing computer labs
on campus.

What we didn't fully expect was that the library would become the
destination of choice for students.  Our computers fill-up long before
the other labs, and even with wireless throughout the building and 100+
laptops available for checkout, the desktops are packed by 10:00 AM.

I imagine if we added 100 more computers, they would fill-up too.  The
real challenge for us now is not how many computers to have, but
ensuring that there are enough free computers for students who want to
do actual library research.

--Dave

=================
David Walker
Web Development Librarian
Library
Cal State San Marcos
760-750-4379
=================


 

-----Original Message-----
From: web4lib-bounces at webjunction.org
[mailto:web4lib-bounces at webjunction.org] On Behalf Of Richart, Bob W Mr
MAMC
Sent: Wednesday, August 10, 2005 9:10 AM
To: web4lib at webjunction.org
Subject: [Web4lib] how many public access computers?

Is there a rule of thumb about how many computers a library should
offer? A ratio of computers to the number of users, or average users in
the library? Or anything based on space available? How do you determine
if you have enough PCs available for your users?
 
Bob Richart
Systems Librarian
Medical Library
Madigan Army Medical Center
(253) 968-0120
http://www.mamc.amedd.army.mil/medlib/ml_hmeinfo.htm
 
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