PCR Feature #1: 2 hours use is the limit, period.

A current scenarion as imagined with a patron using CybraryN:

It is morning at a medium sized branch of the FCPL. It is also slow as one patron has been leisurely using a 30 minute public computer and because there is little demand for computer use, the patron is given numerous time extensions (let's say about an hour). This seems okay until patron traffic increases and the patron is logged off due to another reservation being made for that particular computer. Due to one of the quirks of CybraryN, the only time that was recorded and matters is the initial 30 minute use. In reality, the patron used and an hour and a half but CybrarN only kept track of the first 30 minutes. This enables the patron to hop on another computer for another hour and half and keep using time that is technically much more above the 2 hour time limit that is in the FCPL Internet Guidelines for Use.

Now back to reality. The inability of CybraryN to keep accurate track of computer time usage has been a serious issue, especially during times when demand exceeds supply. This quirk results in an imbalace in regard to how much computer time a patrons use, especially during busy times and many patrons are scrambling to get on one. One patron may have used 4 hours on a computer while someone else only gets, let's say, 30 minutes.

Luckily, this lack of keeping an accurate two hour time limit is absent in PCR. When a patron uses their library card on a public computer managed by the PCR system, there is in theory (I say theory because PCR is still being tested) a limit to how much time is available and it is 2 hours. If a patron gets a time extension (yes, PCR will extend time) because there is no reservation pending, that extended time is tracked and is part of the overall 2 hours that is allotted to patrons. Essentially, everyone gets 2 hours on the public computers, no exceptions. The PCR system will keep track of how much time is used in regard to a patron's library card and once that limit is reached, the patron has to wait until the next day to use a public computer at that location.

Questions? Comments? Feel free to post them on this website using the "comments" button at the end of this post.

Just a few words before I start posting about the new Envisionware system.

Hello Everyone,
The deadline to replace CybraryN with PC Reservation (or PCR for short) is fast approaching (April 15) and the time has come to preview the functionality and features of this new system. During the next couple of weeks, I will be previewing the new PCR and the features and functions that we will all be familiaring ourselvels with. Just a word of warning though, I will be posting screenshots of the PCR system and while the features and functionality have been decided upon, the wording (such as the sign in screen) will be different. This is being wordsmithed so that it will be more appropriate regarding the changes being made (such as no PIN number) so don't be surprised if the appearance will be slightly different. With that out of the way, keep an eye on this blog for information on this new PC reservation system.

J

Blogs 101: How to leave a comment.

Hello Everyone,
One of the features that I enjoy about blogs is the feature that allows readers to leave comments. Visitors can express themselves, their viewpionts, have discussions, all in one place. I expect there to be a lot of questions about the upcoming PC reservation implementation and I would like to have this feature used prominently. Based on past experiences with a blog, I did not see this feature used as it should so I offer this tutorial if you are unfamiliar with how to comment. I have this simple tutorial on how to post comments so that the PCR Task Force and FCPL employees can share comments, questions and answers regarding the PCR transition.

Structure:
At the beginning of a single post, you will see a title (for this one it is Blogs 101: How to leave a comment) and below that you will see the body of the post. Below the body there is information regarding who posted it, what time and right by this information it will say something like "0 comment" "2 comments" etc. When you click on this, it will give you options on posting your thoughts, questions, etc



Comments button cirled in red.

Click on the "comments" button and it will open a new space that is used for posting comments. Here is the order to follow to post:
1: Use this space to write your thoughts, questions, etc. and then proceed to...
2: The drop down menu, where you can select how you want to identify yourself (Google, Aim, Name, even anonymous) Note, you have to identify yourself to post. After this proeed to...
3: The Post Comment button that is partially hiding behind the drop down menu, press it to post.



That is all there is to it. I check this blog regularly (not to mention notifications via email) so I am aware of what is posted. Additionally, by hearing your thoughts and questions, the PCR Task Force can be aware of any concerns that you have regarding the new PCR system. Have a great day.

J

Goodbye 15 minute waiting period between reservations!

Hello,
I have been posting information lately about changes in the current internet usage policy in preparation for implementing PCR (PC reservation). Another change is the elimination of 15 minute waiting periods between PC sessions and reservations. One reason for this change is that PCR has an absolute cap on how much time a person spends on a PC, which is 2 hours. 2 hours is 2 hours, no free time extensions whatsoever. Eliminating this waiting period will enable a patron to use their time more effectively. Another reason for this is that overall, all PC's will be used efficiently since those 15 minute increments used for waiting will be eliminated. That is it for now, watch this space for more info.

J

Goodbye PIN numbers, hello access codes!

Hello,
The day to dump CybraryN is fast approaching and with it, many changes to current policies. One such change is the elimination of PIN numbers. As library staff, we hear quite frequently about forgotten PIN's, etc. and the truth is that we do spend a lot of time looking up these numbers. A study was conducted at FCPL branches August 18-24, 2008 regarding how much time was spent looking up PIN numbers for patrons. The result? A cumulative time of 45.48 hours were spent looking up these numbers. That number is actually on the conservative side. So one of the changes the PCR (PC Reservation) Task Force is recommending is eliminating the use of PIN numbers to reserve computers. Of course, PIN numbers is still required for home access to patron accounts.

If PIN numbers will not be required, does this mean all that is needed to reserve a computer is a library barcode number? The answer is no, PC reservation will instead use an access code that is generated upon reservation of a computer. Essentially, once a computer is reserved, a slip of paper is printed with a unique access code that is linked for that specific reservation and patron. Essentially, even though using PIN numbers will not be required when PC Reservation is installed, there will still be security measures with the use of access codes.

A change in how long a reservation is held.

Hello,
As FCPL transitions to the new PC Reservation system, the PC Reservation task force is also looking at current internet policies to see what needs to be updated, etc. One of the changes that has been recommended is changing the length of time a reservation is held for a patron from 6 minutes to 5 minutes. Hopefully, this makes more sense to patrons regarding how long they have a computer reserved before their reservation is lost. Watch this space for more updates.

J