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From: legg <legg@nospam.magma.ca>
Newsgroups: sci.electronics.design
Subject: Re: OT: Public libraries
Date: Wed, 23 Apr 2025 00:54:52 -0400
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On Tue, 22 Apr 2025 14:40:29 -0700, Don Y
<blockedofcourse@foo.invalid> wrote:

>About the only place I see people "browsing" is in the DVD
>sections -- they are looking for something that is available NOW.
>
>> catalog. Most technical stuff or 2nd language content is in the
>> stacks at a central branch or even in different cities.
>
>We have a spanish language (and lately hindi) items sprinkled
>throughout.  The branches interoperate from a single collection.
>So, if what you want is "elsewhere", it is retrieved to your
>branch (unless you want to drive to the branch that currently
>has it shelved) and you are notified.
>
>You return the item to any branch -- though typically your own.
>It sits on THAT shelf until demand for it cause it to be moved
>to a different branch.  (silly to move items to particular
>branches unless there is a demand).
>
>A transport service regularly visits all of the libraries to
>shuffle items in/out.  An item available at one branch may take a
>couple of days to make its way to your branch (there are 27
>branches in the system so the "shuttle" can't visit all of them
>every day)
>
>> This reduces 'shelf browsing' considerably, if you know what
>> you're looking for, even for fiction or 'other' entertainment.
>> Hence the 'reserved' service use.
>> 
>> My neighborhood tends to be both migrant and immigrant - scrambling
>> to save every cent - so library services and hardware may be
>> the only ones available that don't require you to buy something,
>> just to sit down. Also a quiet place for students and gig 'workers'
>> to do their stuff, via wi-fi.
>
>WiFi is available at all branches as well as many commercial establishments
>around town.  It's not uncommon to see someone sitting in a car, outside,
>using the WiFi from their phone (it is left running 24/7 and not just
>limited to library business hours)
>
>One can reserve one of two meeting rooms for quiet work or small
>meetings.  But, these are time limited; you wouldn't be able to
>put in a day's work, there.
>
>OTOH, you could find a quiet corner and hope not to be disturbed
>(kids entering/exiting "storytime" tend to be the biggest/loudest
>disturbance).
>
>Internet access is restricted, though.  You won't be visiting "blacklisted"
>sites (unless you have your own VPN).
>
>And, the few times I have seen folks watching porn, they have been
>politely asked to stop -- or leave.
>
>Time on public computers is doled out in 1 hour chunks.  You can
>typically renew for a second hour.  Beyond that, it is up to the
>local traffic and the mood of the staff.
>
>Computers are sited adjacent to each other.  You likely wouldn't
>want to do your taxes, there (no space and no privacy).
>
>> Time-limited E-books, music and video files require extra hardware,
>> but they're cataloged much the same. This is useful for families
>> without extensive internet/cable entertainment data packages.
>
>DVDs seem to be the big draw -- especially in those areas of
>town that are less affluent.  I suspect "everyone" has a DVD player
>(or, HAD one).  So, they are the most portable medium.
>
>I've not seen any numbers on how often the titles offered via
>streaming (contracted with third party providers) are referenced.
>There, you are stuck either watching on a computer/phone OR a
>"smart TV" (something that limits appeal)
>
>> Being warm, dry and public, libray washrooms and seating will
>> always be in demand by those with few alternatives.
>
>Yes.  These have often been abused; people BATHING in there,
>etc.  As there are typically only two bathrooms in each facility,
>it isn't hard to create a bottleneck for people who *need* them
>for their "intended functions".
>
>> Users feeling guilty about taking advantage of the services
>> should also feel free to donate, when they can.
>
>This also depends on the amount of free time of the patrons in
>question.  Often, the people who NEED these facilities don't have
>the spare time to donate.  Observation suggests that it is
>largely "seniors" who are supporting the library with volunteer
>labor.  And, they come and go -- as their various ailments
>(and death!) dictate.
>
>[Hanging around with old people can be depressing, for this reason;
>"Where's Dorothy?"  "Oh, she died two days ago..."]
>