WebJunction

Guide to Public Access Computing Resources

The big picture

• The Role of Public Libraries in Providing Universal Broadband report on a study by the Univ. of Washington Information School
• Sustaining Public Access Computing Programs: Technology and Management Competencies: identify the skills and knowledge that staff and managers need for a successful public computing program

Setup for public computers

• Laptop Labs: Creating, Maintaining, and Using Them (webinar archive): learn about laptop labs in 30 minutes
• Linux Replaces Windows at Geneva Public Library: an Alabama library turned a challenge into an opportunity
• Making Computers Accessible: list of documents on accessibility
• Remote Desktop Software: how to gain control of computers in remote locations
• The Joy of Computing: A Cookbook for Small and Rural Libraries: (from the first Computer Cookbook)
  • Chapter 1: Focusing on Your Ingredients for Success: includes space planning, hardware, and upgrade schedules
  • Chapter 2: Meat and Potato Patron Computers: includes setup, security installations, and maintenance

Security, maintenance and troubleshooting

• How to Use Windows SteadyState on Your Library's Public Access Computers: clear, step-by-step instructions to prepare, install, set-up, and run this security toolkit
• Introduction to Windows SteadyState: overview of the free tool for securing shared or public access computers
•  The Need for Speed---Measuring and Managing Bandwidth (webinar archive): monitor your network performance and get out of the slow lane
• The Support Interview: Rachel Singer Gordon's guidelines based on reference interview techniques

Wireless networks for the public

• The Joy of Computing: recipes for a 5-Star Library: (from the Computer Cookbooks)
  • Chapter 1: Setting Up a Wireless Network
  • Chapter 2: How to Avoid and Fix Wireless Networking Problems

Time, reservation, and print management

• The Joy of Computing: recipes for a 5-Star Library (from the Computer Cookbooks)
  • Chapter 5: PC Reservation/Time Management Software
  • Chapter 6: Print Management
  • Chapter 7: Laptop Checkout Programs
• Notes from a PC Reservation system that works! (webinar archive): one library's free and open source solution

Policies for public access

• Create a Social Software Policy for Your Library: implement social software technologies responsibly, fairly and without legal liability
• Creating Security Policies: to provide consistency for the patron experience
• DOPA and the Participaton Gap: impact of the 2006 Deleting Online Predators Act
• The Joy of Computing: recipes for a 5-Star Library: (from the Computer Cookbooks)
  • Chapter 4: No Shirt, No Shoes, No Service! Wireless Acceptable Use Policies

Programs for the public

• Collaboration Tools Chart: online networking and collaboration tools organized in a chart
• Free and Open-Source Software in Libraries: use free alternatives to commercial software
• Gaming in Libraries: why you should care, key actions, and case studies
• Keeping Software Up-to-date on Public Access Computers: Aaron Schmidt shares tips for keeping critical software components up-to-date
• Quick Tips to Start a Gaming Program in your Library (webinar archive): an interactive session introducing the idea of gaming programs in libraries
• Public Computers and 2.0 Tools (webinar archive): Robin Hastings shares her experiences with 2.0 tools and library users
• What to Consider When Evaluating and Implementing Web 2.0 Tools in Your Library

To add to this topic, simply sign in, go to the Documents tab, and click Submit Document.

Most recently posted Documents: