John,
Here at Bury we have always had free access to computers and the
internet. In light of the budget cuts we are seriously considering
charging in some form for computer/internet access. My personal views
are
1, Yes I agree with this statement.
2/3 Yes in library and remote access to e-reference resources should be
free of charge at point of use. In our central library we have some
provision of "tied down" computers that can be used to access these
online resources. If we do introduce charging our current thoughts are
that these shall remain free (as indeed remote access to online
resources).
4. We do some active promotion but perhaps not as much as we should. We
have done specific themed "surgery" events e.g. Family history where
appropriate electronic resources are promoted, and I believe we have
some more planned. We are also looking at ways of promoting them on our
public access computers.
HTH
Alan
--
Alan Brown
Library Systems Liaison Officer
Bury Libraries
Resource Services
Textile Hall
Manchester Rd
Bury BL9 0DG
0161 253 5877
http://www.bury.gov.uk/libraries
http://library.bury.gov.uk
________________________________
From: John Dolan [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: 17 August 2011 00:59
Subject: Re: Internet charging
Dear colleagues,
I would be interested to hear a little more detail about "charging for
Internet access" and charging for "use of computers", which are often
used interchangeably.
1. Today the combination of the terms "comprehensive" and
"efficient" could be interpreted to mean the provision of a significant
number of reference resources by electronic means. Anything else would
be deemed to fail on one count or other. Do you agree?
2. I am interested, therefore in whether you subscribe to the view
that a) in-library and b) remote access to electronic reference
resources should be free of charge (at the point of use) in accordance
with the requirements of the 1964 Public Libraries and Museums Act?
3. If you do charge for the use of in-library computers does this
mean you are charging for access to electronic reference resources or do
you offer differential arrangements or facilities?
4. Do you actively promote your online reference resources,
specifically (in addition to / as opposed to the fact that "the library
has computers" or "Internet access") as a unique feature of your library
service?
Thanks
John
John Dolan OBE, BA, Dip Lib, MCLIP
E. [log in to unmask]
Tw. @johnrdolan
T. 0121 476 4258
M. 07508 204200
-----Original Message-----
From: lis-pub-libs: UK Public Libraries
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Michael O'Callaghan
Sent: 10 August 2011 11:20
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Internet charging
Hi all
I'm trying to get some up-to-date information regarding charging for
public Internet usage. So, if you are currently charging for all or part
of a session could you please let me know:
1) What impact charging has had on usage of your computers?
2) What sort of income has it generated?
Thanks & Regards,
Michael.
Michael O'Callaghan
Assistant Librarian (Learning Support)
Bury Libraries & Adult Learning Service
Bury Central Library
Manchester Rd
Bury
BL9 0DG
email: [log in to unmask]
web: www.bury.gov.uk/libraries
phone: 0161 253 7089
Follow us on Facebook
www.facebook.com/burylibraries
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Why not visit our website www.bury.gov.uk
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Incoming and outgoing e-mail messages are routinely monitored for compliance
with our information security policy.
The information contained in this e-mail and any files transmitted
with it is for the intended recipient(s) alone. It may contain
confidential information that is exempt from the disclosure under
English law and may also be covered by legal,professional or other privilege.
If you are not the intended recipient, you must not copy, distribute or take any
action in reliance on it.
If you have received this e-mail in error, please notify us immediately by using
the reply facility on your e-mail system.
If this message is being transmitted over the Internet, be aware that it may be
intercepted by third parties.
As a public body, the Council may be required to disclose this e-mail or any
response to it under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 unless the information
in it is covered by one of the exemptions in the Act.
Electronic service accepted only at [log in to unmask] and on fax number
0161 253 5119 .
*************************************************************
|