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Renting out Labs?
3:03 PM EDT 6/20/04
Just curious if anyone allows others (such as community groups) to use their computer labs. If so, what is your policy on this... and, in specific, do you charge and how much?
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RE: Renting out Labs?
3:03 PM EDT 6/20/04
as a reply to Janie Hermann.
Still curious about this... could it be that no one out there allows others to use their labs?
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RE: RE: RE: Renting out Labs?
3:03 PM EDT 6/20/04
as a reply to Janie Hermann.
Ooooh - the thought makes me cringe! I'm curious, too, though - we don't have a lab in the present library but will have more of a lab setting in the new building. It won't be isolated, so it's not likely anyone would be allowed access when we're closed (which would be the only available time). I just wouldn't like the idea of others using the equipment unsupervised - I can just imagine all sorts of problems. We have a LCD projector that has been used by "outsiders" two times, and each time we had trouble with it when it was returned. It turned out a pin on the connecting cable was broken, but we can't be sure who did it. At least if I was the only one setting up the equipment, I'd know who to blame!
I've heard of libraries loaning laptops, too, but they've given up on that - too much work involved in resetting the machines after each use.
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RE: RE: Renting out Labs?
3:03 PM EDT 6/20/04
as a reply to Janie Hermann.
Janie, I don't think we do that in our library, but I'm checking into it just to be sure.
It's actually a good idea - do you think you guys'll do that?
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RE: Renting out Labs?
3:03 PM EDT 6/20/04
as a reply to Janie Hermann.
We don'r "rent" out our lab, but we allow community groups to use it under supervision. For example, our local boy scout troop needed a dozen computers for one of their merit badge projects. I set up the equipment, turned on the computers, and stayed in the room until I was sure the adults were in control. It would out well. (We have security software on our machines or this would not be possible.)
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RE: RE: Renting out Labs?
3:03 PM EDT 6/20/04
as a reply to Janie Hermann.
That's funny about you doing this for the boy scouts as I have been asked to do a similar thing for a local girl scout troop and am going to do this for them over the summer.
I found a library that rents their labs out... and their instructors too! It is the SIBL research library of the NYPL system. More info on their fee schedule etc can be found here:
[url http://www.nypl.org/research/sibl/space/rentals.html ]http://www.nypl.org/research/sibl/space/rentals.html[/url]
and here:
[url http://www.nypl.org/research/sibl/space/etc.html ]http://www.nypl.org/research/sibl/space/etc.html[/url]
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RE: RE: RE: Renting out Labs?
3:03 PM EDT 6/20/04
as a reply to Janie Hermann.
Hmmmm.... guess I should have started to poke around the Internet about this topic earlier as I am finding lots of good info out there... for instance, The Greensboro Central Library in NC rents out their lab (and their fees are more in line with what I would think a library would charge). Check out the info here:
[url http://www.ci.greensboro.nc.us/culture/rentlibrary.htm ]http://www.ci.greensboro.nc.us/culture/rentlibrary.htm[/url]
and here:
[url http://www.ci.greensboro.nc.us/culture/RentRateLib.htm ]http://www.ci.greensboro.nc.us/culture/RentRateLib.htm[/url]
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RE: RE: RE: RE: Renting out Labs?
3:03 PM EDT 6/20/04
as a reply to Janie Hermann.
Janie,
Just got the word: our library does not currently have a program to rent the tech lab/classroom, but when I enquired about it ... I received a message saying something like "contact this person; they might be able to arrange something for you." Apparently, they are not totally adverse to the idea of doing so.
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RE: Renting out Labs?
3:03 PM EDT 6/20/04
as a reply to Janie Hermann.
Interesting. Our System Administrator has suggested we offer our training lab to community organizations. I'm working on coordinating the first one - an 8 week series on using the Internet and Basic Word/Excel skills for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services in our area. They are brining in a trainer who trains these skills in sign language. No fee being charged, but I will need to be here while it goes on. I think its a great way to market Libraries - community outreach. I am the Training Coordinator for a Public Library System.
PS - love this site. I've only been in my job 3 months, so MUCH to learn! And no library background!
Stephanie
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RE: RE: RE: RE: RE: Renting out Labs?
3:03 PM EDT 6/20/04
as a reply to Janie Hermann.
Thanks for sharing your policy with us ClaireRose. I like the fact that a staff member has to be on hand as the justification for the fees. Our new lab is state-of-the-art with a Smart Board and a touch-screen LCD overlay plus a bunch of other bells and whistles... I think requiring payment for staff time is a good idea. Do you mind my asking how much you charge on average?
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RE: RE: RE: RE: Renting out Labs?
3:03 PM EDT 6/20/04
as a reply to Janie Hermann.
We do rent out our lab with lower rates for nonprofits. It has worked out pretty well so far. We have rented to the local newspaper, Extension Office, several state agencies and a private groups. We use W2K policies to secure, but I would really like to use something like Deep Freeze to make it even easier for us. Here is the link to our policies.http://www.uproc.lib.mi.us/pwpl/mtg_rm_policy.htm#lab
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