[Web4lib] Germs and public keyboards

[Cloutman, David]

Not a bad idea, considering that most keyboards are filthy to begin
with, and I'm sure one attached to a public workstation is probably
worse. One has to wonder about how dangerous it really is though, given
that it is highly likely that most public workstations are perpetually
growing colonies of fecal coliforms and most people seem able to deal
with it. The gross-out factor may be higher than the health risk for
most people with healthy immune systems.

My 45 seconds of Google searching came up with this:
http://saniguard.com/

That may not be your only option, but spraying down the keyboards and
mice with some sort of volatile antiseptic a few times a day might help.
I would avoid anything with a high water content, as that could damage
the electronics, or anything corrosive to skin like bleach or ammonia.


- David


---
David Cloutman <dcloutman at co.marin.ca.us>
Electronic Services Librarian
Marin County Free Library 

-----Original Message-----
From: web4lib-bounces at webjunction.org
[mailto:web4lib-bounces at webjunction.org] On Behalf Of Judy McBrian
Sent: Tuesday, December 02, 2008 8:13 AM
To: web4lib at webjunction.org; dynix_l-request at codi.org; Horizon; INPUBLIB
list
Subject: [Web4lib] Germs and public keyboards


In the grand scheme of things related to libraries, this is not a big 
deal, but if you're the one sneezing....

It's that time of year when everyone is sniffling, coughing. etc.
Director is concerned mainly about staff going to pc's to help patrons 
with issues on the computer.
Many of our patrons are teens, and many are not to careful about 
handwashing,etc.
When staff touch an "infected" key board, then because they are busy, 
for get to use
hand sanitize, they catch whatever.
Does anyone use anything to help this situation.  The grocery has wipes 
for cart handles, but wiping a
keyboard that's in use can get pretty funky.  
I've heard of germ killing lights???
Sprays that work, don't gunk up the keyboard, and can actually be 
inhaled by a
living organism???

Any input appreciated.  

Judy McBrian
Boonville Warrick Public Library



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