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Re: Combined Internet & OPAC stations
Showing 8 results.
Combined Internet & OPAC stations
3:02 PM EDT 6/20/04
Does anybody do this?

Just wondering if keeping the 2 functions separate and on designated stations is the way to go, or if patrons should be able to go on-line for browsing & email on the same station they search the catalog with.
RE: Combined Internet
3:02 PM EDT 6/20/04 as a reply to Brett Bilon.
Hey Brett, welcome! And thanks for your question. It's a good one! I'd also like to hear what other libraries are doing.

Our public library actually has single stations where you can choose from a variety of applications. You can browse the Internet, use various Applications, search the catalog, and etc. etc. all from the same station. They also have designated stations for different purposes - 10 min express, for example - but that's more about traffic than system. I'm not sure what system they are using to accomplish it all.

I see from the member directory that you're with Userful. We've mentioned your company on the board in another forum - Hardware - as an option for automated printing systems. It was passed on to me by someone who saw your stuff at PLA exhibitions, I think...

How did you find WebJunction? Either way, we're glad you did! Thanks for joining the conversations on All Aboard. You'll find everyone here a helpful, resourceful bunch!
RE: RE: Combined Internet
3:02 PM EDT 6/20/04 as a reply to Brett Bilon.
Hi Chrystie,

Thanks for your reply! Your set-up sounds like a pretty functional & flexible one, I've certainly heard of libraries doing things in quite a different manner (more rigid) and not exactly enjoying the results.

I am in fact with Userful and we were indeed one of the (little) exhibits at PLA, great event. Next big one is ALA in Florida I believe, but not sure if we'll be in attendence or not; is there a conference & event conversation going on in here anywhere?
RE: RE: RE: Combined Internet
3:02 PM EDT 6/20/04 as a reply to Brett Bilon.
Brett, hello again! There is an event conversation. It's called "Library Conferences & Meetings" in the Getting Started forum. Another fun one is "I Saw U" where we talk about meeting one another in person, after meeting online!

I'll be at ALA, so if you're there - I hope to "see" you. emoticon
Re: Combined Internet & OPAC stations
7:44 PM EST 2/20/07 as a reply to Brett Bilon.
Because of the demand for Internet computers in our library, even with 15 minute machines it is necessary to have dedicated OPAC only machines. All of our Internet machines can access the OPAC so those patrons who want to search the library as well as the Internet can do it on one machine.

We have our OPAC's set up with Public Web Browser in kiosk mode so the only way to search is through links on the page they are viewing. This means they can get to databases, etc, but we find that the majority of our patrons know the OPAC is to find library materials.
Re: Combined Internet & OPAC stations
9:47 PM EST 2/20/07 as a reply to Bernadette Rivard.
Welcome to the forum, brivard!

It seems to me that many libraries offer Internet access as well as OPACs in the way that you describe. Without dedicated OPAC terminals, patrons are unable to do a simple catalog search without a lengthy wait.
Re: Combined Internet & OPAC stations
8:45 PM EDT 4/25/07 as a reply to Rob Amend.
We also have two separate types, the all-purpose PCs and the OPAC stations. The OPAC stations can reach our library web site and our regional interlibrary loan system, in addition to our local OPAC.

I've been hearing some voices in favor of changing selected OPAC stations to research workstations, where patrons would also have access to the vendor databases to which we subscribe. Patrons only get an hour a day on the all-purpose PCs, but there's no time restriction on the OPAC stations. Allowing access to the full range of databases from non-timed stations would assist some patrons with lengthier research projects/homework.
Re: Combined Internet & OPAC stations
9:59 PM EDT 4/25/07 as a reply to Genny Engel.
Welcome, Genny!

I like the sound of that approach. Our library system is considering a number of approaches, but at the moment, we are only looking at 15 minute "express" terminals and expanding the time limit on the other devices.

We will have to reevaluate that pretty soon, however, because we are also facing significant organizational and technological changes in the near future.