[Web4lib] Waiting Lists for Computers

[Elizabeth Harman]

Envisionware has the option of a receipt printer, that will print out 
which computer and time. You can also choose various options such as PIN 
number (we validate by card # and last name), Card number, etc. Because 
patrons make a "reservation" there is no hanging around for their turn. 
They have an assigned computer at an assigned time. This concept can 
take some getting used to, but the best explanation I heard can over the 
Envisionware Users listserv.

Calling it a "reservation" is confusing. Its better to think of it as an 
"appointment" Just like at a doctor's office, you have an assigned time. 
But another patient can walk in after you and get seen before you. You 
still have your appointment.

There is the option of "short sessions" so if a person wants a computer 
RIGHT NOW, either walk in or has an existing reservation, they can go to 
a free computer and log in. If they have a future reservation, it will 
ask if they want to cancel their existing reservation for use right now. 
  The only way to insure that they will get the full session time that 
your library allows is to make a reservation.

The staff management consoles can "View Reservations" so if someone 
forgets, staff can look up the information for them.

Liz Harman
Jefferson-Madison Regional Library
Charlottesville, VA

Joan G. Henderson wrote:
> Those are really good questions.  
> 
> If patrons are setting up a "reservation" for a computer at a stand-alone
> sign-up workstation (Envisionware) -- how are they notified that "it is
> their turn."  Do they keep hanging around the stand-alone reservation
> computer, watching the screen (or watching over someone's shoulder)?  I
> wonder if the Envisionware reservation workstation comes with a voice
> synthesizer so it SAYS the name of the patron who is next for a computer and
> names the computer available?
> 
> Joan Henderson