Library restricts chat programs

[suegeo]

http://www.rapidcityjournal.com/articles/2005/02/15/news/state/state02.txt

Library restricts chat programs


YANKTON (AP) — The use of chat programs on the 14 public computers at Yankton Community Library will be restricted under a policy approved by the library board.

Chat programs let people send messages over the Internet in real time, allowing for typed "conversations."

Under the policy change, library officials will decide on an individual basis whether the programs can be used.

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Ya know, it must be pretty scary to being living among the full-blown fascists in South Dakota. Is it something they put in the water?

[davidinalameda]

1. this isn't uncommon

you get people who sit and hog the computers for hours

if you want to do this, get your own internet hook-up

[suegeo]

3. I disagree

The machine is in a public library, and was purchased with public funds. It is running on infrastructure (the internet) built with public funds.

If there is an issue with machines not being available, then put a time limit on a user if others are waiting.

It's the same principle with books: If many people want to read the same book, and there's only one copy of the book, you put yourself on a waiting list for the book. When it's your turn to read the book, you check it out and they give you two weeks to read it. Since it's on a wait list, you can't renew.

For example, I was on the waiting for a book, but then never got around to reading it due to a temporary work load increase at my employer. Does that mean I wasted everyone's time that was behind me on the list? I had no right to check out the book?

Or what if the librarian said, you can't read that book, you're just a common housewife and other more important people need to read it, not you.

The librarians in this story appear to limit EVERYONE"S access to the means of communication based on the monitored comments of some. And they didn't approve of some of the comments.

Well I say: Tough shit. It's called free speech and should have the protections of other kinds of speech. (If it was a death threat, I don't think that's protected, but I'm not a lawyer, so don't know.)

Also, if the person getting the IM's doesn't like the disgusting content, can't they simply end the session? I don't use this tech. much, so I honestly don't know the answer to this question

ALso, what if I am poor and I can't afford my own internet hook up? What if IM is the only way I have to communicate with my family in Pierre, SD and I'm stuck in God-forsaken Yankton?

[davidinalameda]

5. so you want to let people park their butts on a public computer for hours

that's crap

most libraries do have time limits posted and a lot of users abuse those rules

and IM isn't the only way you have to communicate with your family

there's this little thing called a phone--and you can call collect even

or if you have a bit more time, spend the 37 cents on a stamp and write a letter

[suegeo]

6. I don't want people to hog the 'puter for hours

I (think) I said put on a time limit while others are waiting. It works at my library. The librarians have actually asked me to give up my seat to someone who was waiting.

If you see someone abusing the limit, why not be brave, and point out the rule to that patron yourself. Or, if you are too timid to do that, ask your librarian to enforce the rule.

Thanks for pointing out to me the existence of phones.

However, didn't some of the vets of Bush's illegal invasion request people donate phone cards so they could call home from the VA hospital? I guess some people don't have the money to call long distance.

Also, to continue this example, a vet could write a letter telling his honey about the facial reconstruction options he is considering, asking for advice. But by the time the letter arrives, and the honey replies, the surgery is over.

Couldn't poor people also be using the IM service to contact their loved ones about similar dillemas requiring more immediate interaction?

Hell, all that poop I just posted in this reply isn't even my major gripe.

My major gripe is that the library board is pissed that some people are using nasty words they don't like, so they are punishing everyone. That is bogus. Who are they to tell me what words I can use, and why are they punishing everyone by limiting the technology that my tax dollars helped pay for?

[Patiod]

2. I wish they did that at my Community Center

The only people who use the high-speed internet computer room are teens and preteens who "chat" or IM each other and their friends, and shriek and squeal a lot, and half the time they are messaging the person next to them. It drove me crazy when my only internet access was at work and at the community center.

On second thought, maybe they should just have a separate, "quiet" room with a few stations for adults. I'd rather the kids have something to do in the evenings, no matter how annoying and inane.

[suegeo]

4. I expect a library to be pretty quiet

I don't necessarily expect a community center to be. Perhaps they should stake out a quiet area at your center, as you suggest.

I've had people at my library chat on their cell phones while in the stacks. Or while "working" at a computer. People must have complained, there are now signs everywhere saying take your conversations to the lobby.

There are still plenty of assholes who rudely don't comply with the request. Were these people born in a barn? Did they never learn that libraries are suppose to be quiet? Argh. Pet Peeve.

I also don't like all the screaming little children who need their naps. But I try to overlook it, because at least the parents are trying to make them readers.

[sd_UDO]

7. Easy answer

Instead of Democratic Party of So Dak spending tons of money
on candidates who lose, why not--

set up private nonprofit libraries that ALLOW chat room people a haven?

Cool!

At least something would be created!

Why feed corporate media and dumb consultants with campaign money?

Create FREE libraries instead!