[Libs-Or] Providing computer support during COVID

[Karen Hill]

Computer sessions:

  *   Cornelius is allowing people to make an appointment to use a computer during our 5 hour daily service hours.
  *   Up to 45 min each
  *   Overlapping 2 appointments each starting at a different time (every half hour).
  *   1 user, no children

PPE:

  *   We require masks, hands sprayed with sanitizer or gloves (we provide).
  *   We don’t have partitions, but set the users apart among 11 pcs.
  *   We clean and put the pc out of order after use for the day (keyboard, mouse, table, chair)


Most people need at least 30 min to log in, get to wherever and enter data. We are seeing many people applying for help to different agencies. Some checking email, etc. Printing and scanning have also been popular. At least half the people require some kind of assistance:

  *   New cards or guest passes
  *   How to print/copy instructions
  *   Low tech skills

Mostly, we have our full-time, regular staff (not part-time aides) helping these folks. They wear mask and gloves. They avoid instruction, but many users need some real basic help with the needs above. It’s unavoidable. It’s impossible to maintain 6’ when trying to look at their screen or show them how to place an id on the copier. We do have face shields staff can wear also. We don’t have any vulnerable staff do this assignment.

Karen L. Hill | Library Director
Cornelius Public Library | City of Cornelius

karenh at wccls.org | http://www.ci.cornelius.or.us/library
503-357-4093 (Library) | 503-992-5381 (Direct)
Follow us on Twitter @CORLibrary and Facebook: CorneliusPublicLibrary
Member of Washington County Cooperative Library Services (WCCLS) | http://www.wccls.org<http://www.wccls.org/>

From: Libs-Or <libs-or-bounces at omls.oregon.gov> On Behalf Of Jim Jatkevicius
Sent: Friday, October 30, 2020 3:04 PM
To: libs-or at omls.oregon.gov
Subject: [Libs-Or] Providing computer support during COVID

Hello,

We are currently exploring approaches to providing public computer access to patrons and we are seeking the wisdom of libraries currently doing so in a restricted COVID-19 environment.

How are you managing hands-on support for patrons with their computer sessions? Are you simply maintaining standard distancing precautions, installing shields, and enforcing masking protocols? Are staff working hands-on with patrons when necessary?  Are you remoting in and taking over patron computers with a software solution? Have you developed other procedures you have found effective?

Any insights you can share would be most helpful.

Thank you.

Jim Jatkevicius (pronounce<https://namedrop.io/jimjatkevicius>) , Library Services Supervisor - Reference
Forest Grove City Library
Forest Grove, OR 97116
jimj at wccls.org<mailto:jimj at wccls.org>
503 992-3280

Like us on Facebook<https://www.facebook.com/ForestGroveLibrary/?ref=bookmarks>

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