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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Friday, July 8, 2005

Library staff rethinks rules of computer use

By Beverly Creamer
Advertiser Education Writer

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With computer Internet use increasing at the state's public libraries — requiring staff time to assist — managers are looking at installing an electronic scheduling system so patrons can book reservations for computer time from home, as well as establishing per-page printing charges.

"The staff is telling us, 'We're turning into Internet police,' " said Florence Yee, director of the Hawai'i State Library on King Street, at a Board of Education committee meeting looking into library staffing, hours and other issues.

"They're having to book sessions (on the computers) and tell people, 'Sir, your time is up,' " Yee said.

"It has pulled library staff away from reference and reader services, leaving less time to answer reference questions and find information."

As well, the costs in paper and printer toner are running into the tens of thousands of dollars, say library officials. Some users offer small donations for printing, but others print multiple pages at the library's expense.

"I think both the customers and the staff will really appreciate this," said State Librarian Jo Ann Schindler, who said it may take a year for the new system to be in operation.

Committee member Lei Ahu Isa praised Schindler for reducing the number of vacancies in the library system from 135 a year ago to 94 today, even though the libraries continue to face a difficult challenge in filling vacancies. There were 70 vacancies two years ago when the library system faced budget cuts and a hiring freeze, but they've been increasing as experienced senior staffers retire.

Isa also suggested that Internet cafes as part of the library computer services might generate additional income.