Our computers also won't allow software to be downloaded to our computers. So if it doesn't require an executable file, they probably can do it. If the items requires an email address, we help them create one. We help them as much as time constraints/work flow allows.
Janelle


On Thu, Oct 3, 2013 at 10:20 AM, Phillip J Kwik <KwikPJ@troymi.gov> wrote:
At Troy, we function in the same way. Our computer security is not tight. It refreshes each machine on reboot. So whatever a user does that the security allows and that does not demand a reboot, we allow. Cameras, music players, ereaders -- most things can be plugged in.

If a user does not have an email address or does not remember an email address, we strongly encourage him or her to make a new one. Our staff assists in this process. This is where it is up to us to do some education. If someone absolutely refuses to make an email address, we have a bank of institutional ones that we have created -- tpltechnology@gmail, @hotmail, @yahoo, etc. -- that we use when we work with the public.

Phillip Kwik
Assistant Director
Troy Public Library


-----Original Message-----
From: michlib-l-bounces@mail.mcls.org [mailto:michlib-l-bounces@mail.mcls.org] On Behalf Of Knox,Sheryl Cormicle
Sent: Thursday, October 03, 2013 9:18 AM
To: Sheila Bissonnette
Cc: michlib-l@mail.mcls.org
Subject: Re: [Michlib-l] technology devices

We take this same approach, too. Think of it not so much as making policy about what devices can or can't be connected, but what any connected device is or is not allowed to do...act like a storage device=fine; run an executable=not fine. So, to be a little more specific, if the 'upgrade' involved downloading a file and copying it over to a GPS device for example, that might work just fine. But if it involves downloading a file, then double clicking it to run an installer that will then upgrade an attached device, that won't work.

The problem with this kind of answer is the blank stare from people who really have no idea what they are doing. They might be better off working with a local computer shop because they need that level of support and from your description have no interest or inclination to maintain their own computer and accounts that the world seems to expect today. I sympathize, but it can't be wished away.

_____________________________________
Sheryl Cormicle Knox, Technology Director Capital Area District Libraries – Administration
401 S. Capitol Avenue, Lansing, MI 48901-7919
517-367-6347 | knoxs@cadl.org
cadl.org


-----Original Message-----
From: michlib-l-bounces@mail.mcls.org [mailto:michlib-l-bounces@mail.mcls.org] On Behalf Of Mark Ehle
Sent: Wednesday, October 02, 2013 5:58 PM
To: Sheila Bissonnette
Cc: michlib-l@mail.mcls.org
Subject: Re: [Michlib-l] technology devices

I tell our patrons that they are welcome to plug in any USB device they have. Our machines aren't locked up so tight that they won't at least try to recognize a USB device. If it works, great. If not, they are out of luck. Most cameras, MP3 players and phones represent themselves as USB storage devices so it works a lot of the time.

Mark Ehle
Computer Support Librarian
Willard Library
Battle Creek, MI

----- Original Message -----
From: "Sheila Bissonnette" <SBissonnette@cityofclare.org>
To: michlib-l@mail.mcls.org
Sent: Wednesday, October 2, 2013 4:49:11 PM
Subject: [Michlib-l] technology devices





Good afternoon all,



I’m curious to learn what other libraries are doing regarding assisting patrons with the millions of different technology devices. I’m sure we are not the only library to have people coming in with MP3 players, ipods, cellular phones, trail cameras, Garmin’s, tom-toms……… (the list could go on and on and on) all looking for help in downloading or updating software on these devices.



We find the majority of our community who have these “devices” do not have computers at home. Which also means they are not active with email (which also is a problem with a number of devices who want to connect to their users) If they have an email they can’t remember the login information to access it.



We have 14 public access workstations that we make available to our community. Our public workstations are locked down pretty tight. Some people consider them “personal computers” available to the public but they really are not personal computers. They are workstations designed for public use.



I would really be interested to learn what other libraries are doing to deal with this challenge. Do any libraries have a policy on what devices can be used on their public workstations? If you allow devices to be connected to a workstations, what are they?



Your input would be appreciated!!



Thanks

Sheila





Sheila M. Bissonnette, MLIS

Library Director

Pere Marquette District Library & Harrison District Library



Pere Marquette District Library Harrison District Library

185 E. 4 th Street 105 E. Main Street

Clare, MI 48617 P.O. Box 380

www.pmdl.org Harrison, MI 48625

www.harrisondistrictlibrary.org

Phone: (989) 386-7576 ext 4 Phone: (989) 539-6711

Fax: (989) 386-3576 Fax: (989) 539-6301

Cell: (989) 878-0450

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--
Janelle C. Martin
Fiction Department Head
Lapeer District Library
Marguerite deAngeli Branch
810-664-6971 ext 3218
jmartin@lib.lapeer.org

“A house without books is like a room without windows.”
― Horace Mann