Public Librarians discussion
Public computers.
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I don’t know how other libraries’ patrons and managers handle the public computers but ours are hidden downstairs away from admin and the managers where only a handful of paraprofessional stuff bear the brunt of the workload and patron abuse. I have been threatened by patrons and there are physical fights somewhat regularly with constant bickering between patrons, etc. These same patrons do NOT act like this in other parts of the library and this is what I find so frustrating. Do other libraries deal with this sort of behavior and if so, how do you handle it?
In the past we have tried to suspend privileges but if the patron knows to complain to administration it is the staff that ends up getting their hands slapped and not the problem-causing patrons. I have personally experienced this and now have to deal (almost daily) with patrons who feel that they have one-up’ed me so now they can do practically anything they want in the computer lab and I would have to agree with them given administration’s response.

Our public computers used to be a nightmare! We have 11 computers that serve an area of 30,000 people -- many of whom are out of work, don't speak English, or have limited computer skills. We were constantly overwhelmed with people upset about kids using computers for myspace when they have a job application to fill out or whatever. Our library system finally recognized that this was a huge stress on front-line staff and passed some pretty good guidelines. 1. Customers need a library card to use the computers (internet access is now treated like access to the rest of the collection) 2. Time limits are restricted to a total of 2 hours per day -- this is tracked with the library card number, and sessions are 30 min or 1 hr.
We also have security guards in our branches, so it hasn't been such a huge issue for staff getting into problems with angry customers.
We also have security guards in our branches, so it hasn't been such a huge issue for staff getting into problems with angry customers.



This is an interesting way to handle the Internet. I know that the system I work for would never consider limiting access to library card holders because a majority of the regular Internet users can not meet the requirements for a library card. Do you have express Internet stations that visitors and those who do not qualify for a card can use?

I'm not a shill for this company, it's just a product I wholeheartedly endorse.
I'm wondering how public libraries became the place to go for free internet service. It must of been an extension of services compared to library materials and programming. In general I'm glad that people can access computer through their libraries,but I have to admit monitering the public computers is not my favorite part of my career. I'm sure this goes on nation wide, what does everyone else in the group think of the public computer question?