The AMS Public Library System is pleased to make general purpose computers available to its patrons. These computers are connected to the Internet and enable high-speed access to Internet services and features. They are also equipped with popular software for word processing, spreadsheets, graphics, databases, multimedia, and other purposes (the specific software may vary from station to station). This document provides details on how the AMS Public Library System works to make sure that PAIT access is equitable and pleasurable for all patrons.

General

• Anyone with an AMS library card may use Public-Access Internet Terminals (PAITs) in any library.
• Specific branch libraries may schedule or reserve one or more PAITs for specific groups or individuals (for example, a children’s reading room might give priority access to children).

Scheduling

• Sign-up sheets are provided for each individual terminal.
• Sign-up sheets are daily; the sheet for the next day is posted during the last 2 business hours
• Sign-up sheets have 1/2 hour slots (e.g., 8:00 am, 8:30 am, 9:00 am, 9:30 am...)
• A patron may sign up for up to 2 slots for any given day
• If there is nobody working at the PAIT, anyone may work until the end of the current time slot (and afterwards if there is nobody signed up for that slot or waiting)

Authentication

• Anyone using a PAIT, whether or not they are signed up, must display their library card in the card holder near the door. The card should clearly show the training sticker (as described below).
• After training, a brief access agreement must be signed (not included in this document). It simply states an agreement to abide the library policies, and clarifies financial responsibility for damaging the equipment beyond normal wear and tear.

Training

• Before being allowed to use a PAIT, patrons must attend one required orientation session. The session describes library policies and basic access procedures for the PAIT.
• Required orientation sessions are available any time by videotape, and last about 15 minutes.
• Libraries offer more extensive training on a regular schedule. In addition, self-paced video tapes and computer-based training are available.

Privacy

• Any records of PAIT use will be treated the same as circulation records (essentially, they are strictly private).
• All PAITs will be in a low-traffic area (if possible) and will include a privacy curtain, cubicle wall, monitor shade, or other means of
• making it difficult for others to see what a patron is doing.
• At the conclusion of every PAIT session, patrons are urged to reboot the computer. This is configured to remove cached files, history lists, etc.

Limiting Internet access

• Brand-name software to disallow access to Web-based materials of an adult or potentially offensive nature is available at all stations and may be enabled.
• Some stations have the software permanently enabled, and are clearly labeled.
• Individual patrons of any age may choose to use whichever station they choose.

Personal software

• Because the PAITs are refreshed at every reboot, there is no problem with installing and running individual software, other than the problem of the software going away after every reboot.
• Patron requests to add particular software may be made using an online Web form to the AMS Web page.
• Any donated software will still be subjected to collection development procedures before being added to the PAITs.

* AMS = A Medium-Sized

There are several notable things missing. One is an actual list of software, or idea about how different the different PAITs may be.

Another is a decent name. "PAITs" sounds like we're selling Rogaine.

Practically speaking, it would be a lot of work to administer lots of PCs with different software at different locations. However, this seems to offer the best possible blend of special-purpose computers (e.g., maybe only one in a library has a MIDI sound setup) and wide-spread access to common software.