I think it should also be mentioned that there is a definite
copyright/subscription issue when outside users want to use either
networked, stand-alone CD-Rom or web-accessed bibliographic
databases. User agreements are usually limited to students & staff
members of academic institutions. Corporate rates are often much
higher.
Emma
Date: Fri, 28 Jan 2000 11:28:01 -0000
Subject: External users - the results
From: "Liz Wyman" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Reply-to: "Liz Wyman" <[log in to unmask]>
Thanks very much to everyone who replied to my question about external
users in F.E. college libraries. There is a very mixed approach!
Here are the results of the lis-link jury:
12 people replied. I have split the answers into 3 sections (as I have for
my report to management).
Reference
All libraries allowed access for reference purposes, provided the user signs
in at reception. However, some pointed out that they would not necessarily
be able to tell as they do not control access.
Borrowing
Not everyone allows borrowing. Of those who do, some charge and some
don't. The prices ranged from £5 to £115.
Almost everyone resticts borrowing to less items than their own
students.
Computers
Again, mixed, but more people do not allow use of computers. One person made
a good point that if you are allowing access for reference purposes, should
you
allow access to reference material available on the Internet or a CD? (I
would
have thought that this is particularly relevent if you have cut back on a
lot
of your printed material). There is a range of types of charges, from no
charge at all,
paying by the hour, paying for print credits only etc etc. Some colleges
only
allowed computer use in vacations or evenings.
Other points:-
Most of our enquiries are from ex-students, so that is why I asked about
that,
but only one college had different rules for ex-students, and that was only
if they had paid to join the alumni association.
Nobody seems to really advertise the facility except have a supply of
leaflets
which people can take if they want.
I still have all the replies so if anyone wants more detailed info about
prices
charged etc, get in touch with me directly.
Liz Wyman,
Learning Resources Co-ordinator,
Leek College,
Leek,
Staffordshire
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Emma Crowley Phone: +44 (0)181-331-7542
University of Greenwich Fax: +44 (0)181-331-9837
Library and Information Services Email: [log in to unmask]
Medway Campus Library
Chatham Maritime
KENT ME4 4TB
UK
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