As a public university, each of the libray locations at the Univ. of Kansas have a few workstations that are available to the general public and do not require the usual campus sign-on. These workstations can be used to reach the internet, as well as the library's catalog and various licensed databases. We expect visitors who are here as guests of academic departments, as well as the occasional person from the general public who uses our collections, to use these workstations. In the case of the Art & Architecture Library, I have argued that such freely available access was necessary particularly for the docents who volunteer for the art museum and often use the library's resources to prepare for tours and programs.

We are now facing a problem that most public libraries have faced for years and likely academic libraries in large urban settings are familiar with--the non-academic patrons who have discovered our free workstations and "camp" there for hours. We have posted signs about limits on time and academic use but they are not discouraging the abuse so staff are put in the position of having to monitor and intervene--something none of us are eager to do.

We know that software programs are available that can impose limits for public workstations--everything from limits on time usage to filters for what can be accessed. I've been charged with investigating the various software options so I'm looking for advice from my colleagues.

I'm especially interested in hearing from academic libraries who have instituted such software and policies but will welcome advice from anyone who has experience.

What brand of software are you using?

What limits are imposed?

Could you share a copy of your policy for public workstations?

Are you happy with your software and policies or would you make changes?

Any and all advice would be welcome.
Thanks.

Susan Craig
Art & Architecture Librarian
Univ. of Kansas
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