[OPLINTECH] Questions about libraries and gadgets (Laura Solomon)

[shivelri@oplin.org]

Hello Laura,

I have been on vacation and just got back today. So here is my reply.

What kinds of gadgets do you see patrons come in with most often 
(laptops, cells, what else)? 

I think now-a-days everyone has a cell, even children. I see at least 
one laptop a day, but can't recall seeing more than 2 in at anyone time. 
The other gadgets include USB thumb drives (common), MP3 or Ipod 
(moderate), cameras (rarely), and also occasionally a DS or PSP.

What gadget(s) were you most surprised to see?

none.

What sorts of tasks do people use their gadgets for in the library?

General Internet (e-mail, browse, etc), games (about 33% of use), work 
or school, downloads (music & data), and upload pictures.

Do most of them use your library's connectivity and/or power?

Yes.

Does your library have any kind of policies concerning particular 
gadgets and/or how they are used at your library?

Well we do not all the viewing of porn or myspace, this is controlled 
through OpenDNS.com. Also as that we use a WPA-PSK wireless the DS and 
PSP access is not supported as both only connect to WEP at best.

What problems does your library experience with any of these gagets?

Patrons complain about the location of power outlets for them to plug 
their laptops into.

Has your library done anything to enable use of gadgets? (E.g., wireless 
for public laptops,VLAN for public access, etc)

Other than have a passkey code for the wireless available at the the 
desk and having the DNS filtering? no.

What would you most want to tell librarians about gadgets in libraries?

Make sure that if you are allowing wireless that it is a secured 
wireless, law enforcement will eventually enforce higher encryption for 
wireless in public places as that the free text signals are easily 
intercepted and decoded.

-- 
Richard Shively
IT/Webmaster
Greenville Public Library
520 Sycamore, Greenville Oh. 45331
937-548-3915

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