[Libs-Or] Technology Assistance - How much is too much?

[Dunham, Charles]

We only offer technology help related to library services. We stray over the line sometimes, but this policy prevents us from going down a troubleshooting black hole.

Charles Dunham
541 766-6965
Adult Services Librarian
Corvallis-Benton County Public Library<http://cbcpl.net/>


From: Libs-Or [mailto:libs-or-bounces at listsmart.osl.state.or.us] On Behalf Of Aaron Novinger
Sent: Wednesday, January 06, 2016 3:48 PM
To: libs-or at listsmart.osl.state.or.us
Subject: [Libs-Or] Technology Assistance - How much is too much?

Hello!

When helping patrons with technology, where do you draw the line? Does your library have a policy, or does each staff member set their own limits?

Showing them how to download and use e-book apps is one thing, but what about things like...

installing free software, such as Adobe reader or an anti-virus?
walking them through system updates?
transferring pics from phone/tablet to cloud storage?

We're trying to teach them to fish, and there is a reason they aren't going to Geek Squad; however, complaints and perhaps liability issues could surface when working with patrons on their devices.

Do you set time limits, tell the patron you're "hands-off" prior to helping them, and is the service they receive consistent from staff member to staff member?

Looking forward to any advice you have.

Thank you,
Aaron

--

Aaron K. Novinger, SLIM '14

Emporia State University, Oregon Campus

anovinge at g.emporia.edu<mailto:anovinge at g.emporia.edu>


<mailto:anovinge at g.emporia.edu>[Please consider the environment before printing]



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