[Libs-Or] Questions regarding public computer set-ups & reservation management options

[Diedre Conkling]

The Siletz Public Library has 2 of the multi-station computers from Userful
and they are working great.  I think they cost a little more at start-up
but over time they are not too expensive.  We haven't had any problems
which were not addressed very quickly and through their remote access.
This means staff does not have to spend much time with the computers
upgrading or troubleshooting.  We also don't need to pay for technical
help, which is great since we do not have an IT person on staff.

The staff really like the way they can remotely manage the stations from
the Circulation Desk.  They had not had a system that would time out users
before but this is just part of the Userful package.  They also like that
they can set the computers to shut down a little before closing time.  I
think there might be an additional cost to have patrons sign-on to the
computers using a library card and pin number but we did not have a use for
this so I am not sure.

We don't reserve computers ahead of time anymore.  We did for awhile but it
has worked better for the staff and patrons just to have a first come/first
served situation.  With the computers automatically timing out at the end
of an hour (the amount of time we give users but this can be adjusted) we
have been able to quickly accommodate 99% or more of our users quickly and
efficiently.

Here is some information from the Userful manual,
http://support.userful.com/wiki/index.php/Manuals/UD/Remote_Monitoring_%26_Control_User_Guide
.
I know that I am not fully addressing your questions but maybe this
information will help.


On Wed, Feb 1, 2012 at 11:51 AM, K'Lyn Hann <klyn.hann at newbergoregon.gov>wrote:

> **
> We're looking into changing things with our public computers.  We have 14
> or so.  We're hoping to end up with 18.
>
> USERFUL:
> Anyone have any experience with Userful --Multiseat Linux managed virtual
> desktops?
>     If so, pros & cons?  Did you use a reservation software to coordinate
> uses?  Which one?
>
>
> RESERVATION MANAGEMENT:
> Any computer session reservation software/program you'd highly recommend?
>
> Thank you for your time,
>  *K'Lyn Hann*
>
> Teen & Technology Librarian
> Newberg Public Library
> 503 E Hancock St,  Newberg, OR 97132
> ph:  503.554.7732
>
> www.newberglibrary.org
>
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-- 
*Diedre Conkling**
Lincoln County Library District
P.O. Box 2027
Newport, OR 97365
Phone & Fax: 541-265-3066
Work email**: **diedre at lincolncolibrarydist.org*<diedre at lincolncolibrarydist.org>
*
Home email: **diedre08 at gmail.com* <diedre08 at gmail.com>

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