Dear all,
I received 10 replies to my query some LRCs lend headphones and some have
them permanently attached to the computers... of those that lend headphones:
Methods of lending:
* Book to keep record of lending 1
* Barcoded & Short loan 4
* Issue numbered headphones (sign out scheme) 1
* Card index where ID cards are exchanged for headphones 1
* Just hand them out when requested 1
... And of those that don't:
Where headphones are permanently fixed
Headphones fixed to monitors/PC 2
(1 reported no losses but some broken, the other suggested it to prevent
students playing with the CPU and tampering with the ports at the back... if
headphones themselves couldn't be affixed an extension lead was suggested)
Problems mentioned:
Durability of headphones/headphone theft... recommended purchasing items
with a replaceable lead (such as Sennheiser), another college suggested
purchasing the cheapest headphones available. Several colleges suggested
the benefits of old fashioned big enclosed headphones - these are more
robust, and are less likely to be stolen (not cool).
Other problems mentioned:
* Sometimes there is a dispute if the headphones are returned in a
condition other than when they were issued.
* Students using personal CDs: Sometimes we have 'discussion' from one
group as to why they can't listen to their personal C.D.s through headphones
when the person beside them appears to be doing just that.
* Also, we do spend time asking for the volume to be inaudible to
others and get the inevitable answer that they can't hear it any lower.
As far as suggestions for cunning plans for multimedia PCs without tears:
* To not advertise the fact that headphones are available!!
* Designate how many and which computers can be used with headphones.
* Find out from Lecturers which courses need to use this facility and
offer the groups a 'workshop' on its effective use - including a
demonstration of what you consider is an acceptable volume! (this is of
course supposing the tutors are aware of the available information sources
!)
many thanks to all who replied... we will use the above information to
inform our policy choice!
Ellie
Ellie Clement
Subject Librarian (Science, Engineering & Construction)
Grove Library
Bradford College
Gt Horton Road
BRADFORD
BD7 1AY
tel: 01274 753114 or 753156
mailto: [log in to unmask]
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