[OPLINLIST] e-mail

[Walter Lesch]

First of all, thank you for your voice and for not being silent.  Far too many have become so.
Secondly, we have always allowed email (for almost ten years, anyway) where I work.  Our policy is general toward PC use and basically says that patrons cannot do anything patently illegal, should not do things that will knowingly hurt our machines or networks, and should not do things that might disrupt their "neighbors."  We don't allow software/plugins to be installed willy-nilly, but we generally try to keep up with the changing environment.  Yes, it costs more and more and more.  It's kinda like owning a boat- that hole on the water where you keep pouring your money.  A boat can also bring a whole lotta joy (and fish!).
Finally, according to my teenager, only "old people" use email these days!  Oh, and she says IM'ing is for "middle schoolers!"  For me, that means libraries need to plan better and try to make room for face-to-face conversing, cell-calling, emailing, IM'ing, texting... and on and on and on.
And I am already tired!  I think it also means that libraries will likely have to make new commitments at the expense of some other commitments, which we aren't used to doing, especially in Ohio. The other posts are right on, too.  It has become a basic service. 
Do you have time limits or other restrictions for public use of computers?  We do, of course. Please let us know how the discussion turns.  Oh, and gather evidence, not intentions.  It might be surprising to find out who actually uses email and why.  You might even find that email isn't really what is pushing the discussion.
;^)


Respectfully,
 
Walter Lesch
Training Specialist
Shaker Heights Public Library
16500 Van Aken Blvd.
Shaker Heights OH 44120
216-991-2030x3156
Walter.Lesch at shakerlibrary.org
"Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety."  -some dead dude whose words outlived him (Ben Franklin)




----- Original Message -----
From: jordanka at oplin.org
To: oplinlist at oplin.org
Sent: Thursday, December 6, 2007 3:28:57 PM (GMT-0500) America/New_York
Subject: [OPLINLIST] e-mail

Do you allow patrons to access their e-mail from your internet computers? 
There is a discussion going on here between the director, staff and board
as to what to do.  Please respond to the list as some people I have talked
to are watching the list to see the comments.   Thanks, Kathy

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