[OPLINTECH] Chat Blocking?

[James Guilford]

Thanks to all those who responded with their experiences and suggestions on this topic both on- and off-list. We are, in fact, considering some appealing alternatives that do not involve blocking of any content or services. I have told our staff repeatedly that this is a behavioral problem that probably doesn't have a satisfactory technological solution.

It's pretty easy, however, to spend the day in the server room feeling all is calm while two Youth Services staff have to do their regular work --delivering excellent, personal library customer service-- while trying to subdue a crowd of 20 loud and rude teens. Which is why the librarians are crying out desperately for help with what they perceive as a "computer" problem while we say they need to do is take control.

Kids don't particularly care what kind of intellectual freedom ship wreck they are steering us all toward. They only know that they're having fun and it's exciting. When one sort of fun is taken away, they will find another leaving the wreck behind. I hope this gets "old" to them before all useful online information and service is cut off by law.

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James Guilford, I.T. Manager
Westlake Porter Public Library
http://www.westlakelibrary.org

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