[Web4lib] Waiting Lists for Computers

Wed Apr 5 16:26:20 EDT 2006

This is how we do it. The self serve Reservation Station is not available 
the first 20 minutes we are open or until all computers are full, 
whichever is first.

In some branches, patrons always stop at the Reservation Station. Ideally, 
in our multi-level main branch this is what they would do. Only a handful 
of patrons seem to do this. So, we have also installed the Reservation 
Station module on our LPT:One Release Stations. Then I try and direct 
patrons who come up here to the computer lab and have their card, to make 
their own reservation, and inform them of the dedicated machine on the 
main floor. However, if machines are available, we instuct patrons to go 
straight to a machine.

We also have PC Res set up to automatically extend session time. Staff is 
involved to make guest reservations, and we feel that if we looked up the 
patron's card number then we should make the reservation as well (if 
needed).

Feel free to email me backchannel if you have more questions about 
Envisionware.

Liz Harman
Internet Specialist
Jefferson-Madison Regional Library
Charlottesville, VA

On Wed, 5 Apr 2006, Joan G. Henderson wrote:

> We are going to have Envisionware installed soon.
>
> Do you use Self-Logon and the stand-alone Reservation workstation to
> checkout computers?  Or, does staff still perform checkout functions?
>
> I am trying to figure out how self-queuing works with Envisionware.  Does
> the patron go directly to the stand-alone Reservation workstation first, and
> then is assigned a computer by Envisionware.  Or, does the patron go
> directly to a computer, if available, and only when all computer are taken,
> does he/she then go to the stand-alone Reservation workstation? Staff are
> basically not involved in computer checkout, except to, say, extend times
> for a patron, right?
>
> Joan Henderson
> Ferguson Public Library
> Ferguson, MO
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: web4lib-bounces at webjunction.org
> [mailto:web4lib-bounces at webjunction.org] On Behalf Of Phillip Whitford
> Sent: Wednesday, April 05, 2006 11:33 AM
> To: Web4lib at webjunction.org
> Subject: RE: [Web4lib] Waiting Lists for Computers
>
>
> Try and get funding for some public pc management software. We use
> PCReservation from Envisionware but there are others. Since we have been
> using it the problems like you describe have been reduced considerably. It
> saves staff time, helps prevent disagreements between patrons and between
> patrons and staff, and is well worth the cost. It allows lots of flexibility
> and provides good statistics so you can manage your computers much more
> efficiently. Even helps us with CIPA.
>
> In answer to your specific questions: 1. Yes we do. So we can maximize the
> use of the pcs and be fair to all patrons. We have different limits
> depending on the area the pc is in. In our lab patrons can use a machine for
> two 1 hour sessions. If no one is waiting each of those sessions can be
> extended by 1 hour. We have shorter times in Youth Services and longer in
> Local History. 2. PCReservation handles the waiting list issue and it works
> great.
>
> I'd be happy to answer additional questions about PCReservation or our
> setup.
>
> Phillip B. Whitford
> Manager Support Services Division
> Braswell Memorial Library
> Rocky Mount, NC 27804
> Opinions expressed are not necessarily those of my organization.
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: web4lib-bounces at webjunction.org
> [mailto:web4lib-bounces at webjunction.org] On Behalf Of Michele Haytko
> Sent: Wednesday, April 05, 2006 11:30 AM
> To: Web4lib at webjunction.org; publib
> Subject: [Web4lib] Waiting Lists for Computers
>
>
> I have a question for the collective brain. ;-)  My apologies for
> cross-postings.
>
> I am drafting something to take to my supervisor and am wondering how other
> libraries handle this problem.
>
> We have a computer lab of 16 machines.  We guarantee users a half hour
> minimum and then, once we have a waiting list, boot folks off in the order
> they signed into the lab.  Staff, volunteers, and patrons have complained
> about our waiting list "rules".  Right now, patrons who have been on all
> day, then sign-out, then sign in 2 minutes later have their clock restarted.
> Many view this as unfair.  For example, Patron A signs in at 9am, then
> leaves at 2pm, then returns at 2:10pm.  We immediately get busy and the lab
> fills up.  The "earliest" sign-in is from 1pm, so Patron B (the 1pm) gets
> kicked off, while Patron A, who has used the Lab for over 5 hours gets a
> free pass.  We currently have no limit to the amount of times a patron can
> come into the lab.
>
> So, my questions are these:
> 1.  Do you have mins/maxs on computer usage? If so, why and what are they;
> if not, why not? 2.  How do you handle waiting lists? 3.  Do you enforce
> once or twice a day usage policies (i.e. a patron is allowed one 1-hour
> session per day, etc)?  If so, how does this model work for you? If not, why
> not?
>
> Anything else you can offer would be so very helpful.
> Thanks in advance for your assistance.
> ~michele~
>
> --
>
> **************)0(**************
> Mrs. C. Michele Haytko
> Montgomery County-
>      Norristown Public Library
> MC-NPL Computer Lab
> 1001 Powell Street
> Norristown, PA 19401
> 610-278-5100 Ext. 141
>
> "Be the change you wish to see in the world." -Gandhi
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