Managing public-access computers : a how-to-do-it manual for librarians

Acknowledgments vii
Preface ix

Introduction: A Public-service Approach to Public-access

Computers xi

1 What Does a Manager Need to Know About Technology? 1
Kinds of Knowledge: Micro-level and Macro-level 1
Basic Computer Concepts for Managers 4
Further Information 17

2 Facilities 19
Physical Space 19
Electrical Power 20
Furniture 22
Dual-purpose Computer Classroom 34
Facilities Check Questions 36

3 Computer Hardware 41
Microcomputers: Bigger and Faster 41
Other Hardware 49
Acquiring Hardware 56
4 Software 61
System Software 63
Application Software 65
Purchasing Considerations 70
Access to Software: Servers and Hard Drives 75

5 CD-ROM 77
CD-ROM Hardware 79
Providing Access to CD-ROMs 82
Full-text CD-ROM Sets 85
Circulating CD-ROMs 85
Personal CD-ROMs in the Library 86

6 Printing 89
Printer Essentials 89
Types of Printers 90
Networked Versus Non-networked Printers 91
Printer Maintenance and Service 93
Paper 93
Toner and Ink Cartridges 94
Pay to Print 96

7 Working With the Systems Department 103
Improving Communication 105
Reporting Computer Problems 108

8 Security 115
Security Policy 115
Physical Security 117
System Security 122

9 Staffing Issues 139
What Do Public-access Computer Staff Do? 139
Who Staffs Public-access Computers? 140
Part-time Staff 141
Staffing Levels 142
Scheduling Staff 156

10 Communicating With Staff and Staff Training 163
Communicating With Staff 163
Staff Training 173

11 User Relations 191
Communicating With Users 191
Feedback From Users 198
Conflicts With Users 206

Index 215

About the Author 223