> ----------
> From: paul wiener[SMTP:[log in to unmask]]
> Reply To: [log in to unmask]
> Sent: Monday, August 09, 1999 04:43 PM
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: See no evil
>
> THURSDAY, August 5, 1999
>
> Libraries Get Smart
>
> Books just got a little smarter and
> the lives of librarians, a little
> easier. At the Mulligan branch of
> New Jersey's Gloucester County
> Library System, something called
> the Intelligent Library System lets
> you bypass lines and librarians to
> check out books yourself. Here's how it works: lasers
> read your
> library card, which contains personal information,
> then scan
> your reading selections, which are ID'd with a
> computer chip.
> The information is merged into one record. And, just
> like at the
> supermarket, you get a printed receipt, telling you
> when the
> books are due. The result? Karen Schiles, coordinator
> of the
> system, says it frees up staff for other work, such
> as
> helping
> people with research. "Staff time at
> circulation-check
> in and
> check out-is down by 75 percent." Those doing the
> borrowing
> seem happier, too. "Some patrons really prefer that
> anonymity,"
> explained Schiles. Wonder what they're reading. -
> Tripti Lahiri
>
> Are librarians too stupid, or too selfless, or too desperate to please -
> or
> all three - to care that the more they take themselves out of public view
> the less they will be rewarded, respected or even regarded?
> Paul B. Wiener
> Special Services Librarian
> SUNY at Stony Brook
> Melville Library
> 516/632-7253
> fax: 516/632-7116
> [log in to unmask]
>
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