Managing Public Computers

As we've moved into the 21st century, providing public access to computers and the internet has become a core function of libraries. Whether your library has a handful of public computers or hundreds, you have become a technology access point for your community and managing that technology requires a range of knowledge. Explore topics that address the varied facets of managing public computers including security, filtering, upgrading, and troubleshooting.
Self-paced courses and webinar recordings on this topic are freely available in the WebJunction Course Catalog.
Most Recently Added
Opportunity Out of Adversity: Digital Access in Rural and Small Libraries
Publish Date: Webinar / 6 August 2020
If we are intentional, we can use these circumstances to grow our organizations and to address the digital access disparities in small and rural communities. A webinar hosted in collaboration with ARSL.
What TechSoup Offers Libraries
Publish Date: News / 28 June 2018
TechSoup is the San Francisco based nonprofit that supports charities, public libraries, churches and foundations with technology support and resources. The organization has had a special interest in libraries since 2006 when it launched TechSoup for...
Managing Library Technology: Keeping All the Balls in the Air
Publish Date: Webinar / 20 October 2016
In this webinar learn from a seasoned assistant director, smart practices for managing people, workflows, and technology –all at the same time.
Start from Scratch: A New Program of the Bucks County Free Library
Publish Date: News / 15 July 2015
Last month, Bucks County Free Library began offering Start from Scratch, a new program aimed at helping members of the public connect to the digital world.
During Start from Scratch sessions, patrons bring their "mostly dead" PCs to ...
A Slice of Maker Pie: Stories from Three Learner Labs
Publish Date: News / 17 November 2014
Think about the last time you ordered pizza and the numerous considerations that influenced your decisions. You may have weighed surroundings including dine-in versus carry-out or perhaps delivery, contemplated crust style and toppings, and evaluated...
You Shall Not Pass! iPad Passcode Problems and Other Insights
Publish Date: News / 11 August 2014
Since her first article, iFought the iPads (and iWon), Sally-Adrina has heard from several librarians struggling with a common problem: iPad passcodes. At Rapid City Public Libraries, they experienced the same issue. A child or an...
iFought the iPads (and iWon)
Publish Date: News / 28 March 2014
When Rapid City Public Libraries decided to add iPads to the Children's Area, I volunteered for the project. In the end this project took me a couple of months to tackle but the number of children using the iPads made it worth the effort. I hope by s...
State Library Guidebook: Support for Digital Literacy in Public Libraries
Publish Date: Document / 8 October 2013
This digital literacy guidebook was created under a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, and is designed for state libraries to use in exploring potential state-level investments and partnerships that advance digital literacy.
Easy, Powerful, and Free: Sign Your Library Up for the Impact Survey
Publish Date: News / 10 September 2013
Access to computers in public libraries changes lives. The landmark study Opportunity for All (2009) illustrated this decisively, with compelling national findings about the extent to which library computers are used to gain admission to college, obt...
Impact Survey: Understand Your Community’s Technology Needs
Publish Date: Webinar / 5 September 2013
A webinar about the Impact Survey, an online tool that allows libraries to find out how their community benefits from free access to computers and the internet.