The AP reports: YouTube, online job applications and homework help sites have boosted demand and contributed to lines for Internet access at the nation’s public libraries, yet a new survey finds the majority have no immediate plans to add computers.
For many library systems, the buildings simply do not have enough room, and their electrical wiring couldn’t deliver the required power. Others are already struggling to stay open, buy books and encourage youths to read.
“We have this entirely brand new service coming to libraries, but the funding has not recognized that,” said Kathleen Reif, director of the St. Mary’s County Library in Leonardtown, Md. “We’re still continuing the books, the outreach, the work with young children and the student support.”
A new study from the American Library Association, scheduled for release Wednesday, finds the average number of public Internet terminals largely unchanged since 2002, yet only 1 in 5 libraries say they have enough computers to meet demand at all times.
Charge for computer use
Charge $1 per hour to use the computers. Use proceeds to buy more computers. In conjunction have a free computer that does not go to YouTube or entertainment sites.
more computers? …Find ways to advertise your programs closer to the users. give them some furniture polish and a rag and have them clean up while they wait for their turn… use your imaginations…
our building is kinda maxed out, too. we do about 15,000 sign-ups a month, but I don’t know if those people would part with the $1 to play. what we can try to do is use those numbers to increase others: put a self-check out stand near the Internet pcs and maybe some will be tricked into checking out a book while they wait (thinking it’s mandatory)– then they’ll drop off the book on the way out…instant circ.
surely you jest?
I hope you are both joking. Isn’t free access to information what pubic libraries are about? Bridging the digital divide? The customers lining up and waiting hours to get on the public PCs at MPOW are using them the same way we are using them. MPOW’s vision includes Inform, Educate, Entertain, Inspire. These days, you do those through traditional library services and through computer and web services.
Yes, we need more computers, and more space, and more money. But I can’t see how charging even small amounts will help us or the customers. Asking them to provide janitorial services is ludricrous. Do you not have unions or contracts? Did you know that it is actually necessary to train and supervise cleaners? Do your volunteers need to pass a background check? How is it that you are going to manage this?
Our funders (mostly government for public libraries) love the internet, and have made it more and more necessary to use computers. (Have you filed for unemployment or citizenship lately?) So they need to put more money where their mouths are.
Re:surely you jest?
re: “Asking them to provide janitorial services is ludricrous.”
Why, yes it is. I’m glad you noticed.
ludicrous: amusing or laughable through obvious absurdity, incongruity, exaggeration, or eccentricity