FW: [OPLINTECH] PC Cop Software

[JKENZIG]

Also Mark just suggested an even better idea to me  which we are now
implementing .... If space really is a limitation you could spend the money
on a WIreless solution and buy wireless webtablets that patrons can use
anywhere in the branch.   We have been able to put in about 10 web tablets
with cisco wireless access for about $15,000 a branch.  Not only does this
give you more access points but now patrons can bring there own wireless
devices in. 
 
Jim
 

  _____  

From: Matt Hoffman [mailto:mhoffman at heightslibrary.org] 
Sent: Wednesday, April 06, 2005 3:18 PM
To: JKENZIG
Subject: RE: [OPLINTECH] PC Cop Software


Well, more PC's are not always a possibility.  You have problems of space
requirements and of staff involvement.  I think that the primary reasoning
for the use of these systems is to get the management of PC availability out
of the hands of the floor staff and into a scenario where PC availability
can more closely follow library policy.  Staff generally feel that having to
deal with customers who won't get off of PC's when others have been waiting
is a huge annoyance and a waste of their time where they could be assisting
customers with reference questions.  We're looking at one of these systems
right now, and from the management's standpoint, being able to recoup some
costs from printing and lessening staff involvement are of great importance.
It's a benefit that more customers will be able to use the PC's during the
day.  
 
Our policies are going to be very lenient so that even if a customer has
been on a PC for a lengthy period of time, unless another customer is
waiting to use a PC, they will be able to continue using the PC's.  There
will be no daily limits, but it may be possible that the customer might have
to switch to another machine if another customer has signed up to the use
the current PC.  The fact is that you can make it fair, as long as you do it
the right way.
 
Matt Hoffman
Network Administrator
Cleveland Heights-University Heights Public Library
216-932-3600 x 77284  (fax) 216-932-0932
www.heightslibrary.org <http://www.heightslibrary.org/> 

-----Original Message-----
From: oplintech-admin at oplin.org [mailto:oplintech-admin at oplin.org] On Behalf
Of JKENZIG
Sent: Wednesday, April 06, 2005 2:57 PM
To: 'OPLINTECH'
Subject: RE: [OPLINTECH] PC Cop Software


Not really a direct answer to the question and people on the list have heard
this before from me but here goes again...Why are you going out of your way
to limit what your patrons can do?  Wouldn't your money be better spent on
buying more workstations so you have more points of access and wouldn't have
to limit the time and also put some of that aside to buy extra paper?  I
know these systems are VERY expensive and require yearly maintence fees.   I
just don't believe that they are the way to go to resolve issues with
patrons waiting. Is it really the best way to spend the taxpayers dollars to
benefit them?
 
Jim Kenzig
Network Manager
Cuyahoga County Public Library

  _____  

From: Mike Hensel [mailto:] 
Sent: Wednesday, April 06, 2005 2:41 PM
To: OPLINTECH
Subject: [OPLINTECH] PC Cop Software


OPLINTECH:
 
First, thanks for the information on Tech Connections 6. 
 
Second, I recently had a sales representative from CMS visit the library to
do a demonstration on PC Cop, a time software and print management system. I
was quite impressed with the product. I have also investigated PC
Reservation so I know all about that product.
 
My question is - has anyone heard any information, good or bad, on PC Cop. I
would like to get a better idea of local use in Ohio.  It is my
understanding that CMS has a big portion of the market out West and is
currently trying to expand to the East where PC Reservation has dominated. 
 
Any information would be appreciated.
 
Thanks, 
 
Mike Hensel
Communications & Marketing Manager
London Public Library
20 E. First Street
London, OH 43140
(740) 852-9543 Voice
(740) 852-3691 Fax
www.london.lib.oh.us <http://www.london.lib.oh.us/> 
henselmi at oplin.org <mailto:henselmi at oplin.org> 
 
 

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