Computer stations and printers

When I arrived a month ago, we had only one computer in the library area for card catalogue searches and one computer at the circulation desk for check out.  It was possible to look up books in the adjacent computer area,  but this was a little cumbersome since there is a half-wall that cuts across the library and you have to go all the way around.  Also, looking up books on those computers isn't really possible when classes go on in there.  As for the circulation desk, one computer was fine as far as individuals or small groups went, but classes could not be checked out as effectively and students had to wait (even with individual patron barcodes on their "shelfmarkers").

Enjoying two check-out stations at the circulation desk

I am happy to announce that we now have three card catalogue stations for patrons and two computers at the circulation desk for check out!  This is really great news because it means that people have more access to the information they need and that they can retrieve this more quickly.  


How did this get remedied?  My  assistant and aide shared a work computer about ten feet away, but the way it was set up meant that their back had to face the library.  By drilling another hole in the circulation desk for cables and bringing their computer over, it meant that we could now also use it for checking out books.  This means that we also have another pair of eyes to help supervise when students are in the library.  Because we are a team, I like having everyone being together like this much more as well – and it translates into more smiles at the circulation desk.  There is still plenty of space for my assistant and aide to still do library-related work, and when there is not a heavy volume of patrons in the library, the second computer will still be used for that purpose (i.e. cataloguing).  I put signs up on the back of each computer to greet patrons.  One reads "Hello and Welcome!  How may I help you?" and the other says "It's so nice to see you!"  These colorful, friendly signs make our library even more welcoming. 

In terms of solving the amount of card catalogue stations, I decided to move two computers out of the computer classroom area and put them nearby, just outside in the library area.  Because there is only a half wall between the computer area and the library, it means that teachers and library staff can still work with those students just like the rest of the class when students come down to use the computers.   Classes only come to use the computers occasionally (although quite frequently at peak times during the year or for certain units), so the rest of the time patrons have more card catalogue stations at their disposal. 

We are one of the main printing places in elementary school for color printing, but the color printer has been located behind the circulation desk.  This means that teachers and students have had to come behind the desk to retrieve printing.  This is not favorable because it's less convenient for teachers and students, library staff needs to have their own space in the library, and it's nice to have fewer people in the actual work station.  We switched the location of the color printer with the black and white one, so now people can retrieve their printing from the front of the desk without having to walk behind (see photo above near plant - additional note: people do not need to print black and white usually to the library because everybody has a printer in their classroom).  

Our next plan is to get speakers for our library so that we can play classical music during check out.  We are very excited about that too.