[OPLINLIST] Paging patrons for computer appointments

[Linda Baker]

Hi - How do you handle a situation where person A
finishes before his allotted time and person B (next
in line) has left the building until his allotted
time?  Would you let person C take his turn and
squeeze person B in when he returns for his assigned
time?  Would you let the assigned computer remain idle
until person B returned?  We don't use any kind of
paging system, but do have problems with people being
absent when they are next in line for a computer. 
We'd be interested in knowing how other libraries
handle this situation.
Thanks.



--- "Mann, James H." <JMann@gcpl.lib.oh.us> wrote:
> GCPL uses PCReservation from Envisionware. With this
> automated system
> patrons receive a receipt that tells them the
> computer name, time of
> reservation and a PIN. It is possible during peak
> times for a
> reservation to be an hour or more in the future, so
> in theory a patron
> could leave the building and come back and still
> have a computer waiting
> for them. We would hope that instead they might
> spend some time browsing
> our print collection. 
> Prior to this system, we discussed pagers like those
> used at popular
> restaurants and/or the building paging system. But,
> decided that they
> were either too expensive or too intrusive. 
> 
> Jim Mann
> Technology Coordinator
> Greene County Public Library
> 76 East Market  Xenia OH 45385
> (937) 376-2996 x210
> 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: oplinlist-admin@oplin.org
> [mailto:oplinlist-admin@oplin.org] On
> Behalf Of Don Yarman
> Sent: Thursday, February 19, 2004 8:49 AM
> To: oplinlist@oplin.org
> Subject: [OPLINLIST] Paging patrons for computer
> appointments
> 
> Dear Library Land--
> 
> I know that many libraries have sign-up/waiting
> lists
> for their computers, and that it is a struggle to
> let patrons know whose turn it is.  I'd be
> interested
> in hearing what methods you use to manage this and
> how you think it's working out for you.  Does anyone
> use a delicatessen-style "Now Serving Number ___?"
> How about vibrating pagers?  Have you had any
> success
> with automated Internet booking applications?
> 
> If responses are sent to me, I'll summarize them for
> the list, but I think a public discussion of this
> would be interesting.
> 
>      Your most humble and obedient servant,
> 
>                           Don Yarman
>                           OPLIN Library Services
> Manager
>                           yarmando@oplin.org 
> 
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> 


=====
Linda Baker
Children's Services
Burton Public Library
bakerli@oplin.org

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