November 15, 2008 -
Today may be National Gaming @ Your Libary Day, but one local library in Utah has placed restrictions on game access.
Utah's KSL-5 reports that officials of the Eagle Mountain Library found that teens were monopolizing its PCs in order to play online games. Spokesperson Linda Peterson commented:
There were students and adults who needed to use computers for research that were having to wait too long and, you know, getting frustrated by that.
The Eagle Mountain Library's game ban extends only from 2-5 p.m. on weekdays.
GP: Someone in Utah apparently didn't get the memo about the gaming at the library concept. KSL-5 notes that several other libraries in the same county have even harsher restrictions on games.
Comments
Re: Utah Library Enforces Partial Game Ban
Besides, This is a weekday ban. Wasn't gaming day @ the library held on Saturdays?
Edit: Nightwng, I think the library near me is the same way. I'm still in Raleigh, btw.
- Warren Lewis
Edit 2: grammar
Consumer responsibility is just as important as Corporate responsibility. So, be responsible consumers.
Re: Utah Library Enforces Partial Game Ban
What part of Raleigh, I used to live there. Anyway our library has limited time for everyone and you have to check in with the librarians to use it.
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"What for you bury me in the cold cold ground?" - Tasmanian devil
Re: Utah Library Enforces Partial Game Ban
Near NC State. Close to Hillsborough Street
- Warren Lewis
Consumer responsibility is just as important as Corporate responsibility. So, be responsible consumers.
Re: Utah Library Enforces Partial Game Ban
In all honesty? I'm not really bothered by this. When you mix the computers for general use, you do risk this problem.
Two ways, among many, to solve the problem:
1. Segregate out computers for research versus "leisure" use. I'm not sure if a library user is required to enter their personal code to access the computer or not there. Here in Wilmington, NC, you have to enter your library card number. Set up strict Parental Control systems on the research computers to limit their use. A violator is banned (limited or long term or permanent).
2. Limit the amount of time a patron can use the computer per day. Sucks, but may be necessary. Here in Wilmington, NC, the system is set for 30 minutes per day. Or was the last time used the library computer more than 5 years ago. Variations are also possible. An hour per day. Thirty minutes every 3 or 6 hours. Etc.
The library has many uses. And I've already been on my soapbox about Parents moderating game play. Seems only right that the library do the same.
Nightwng2000
NW2K Software
Nightwng2000 has also updated his MySpace page: http://www.myspace.com/nightwing2000 Nightwng2000 is now admin to the group "Parents For Education, Not Legislation" on MySpace as http://groups.myspace.com/pfenl
Re: Utah Library Enforces Partial Game Ban
Actually, libraries do their damndest to avoid acting in loco parentis. That opens a huge can of worms that they just don't want to deal with. (I'm an MLIS student.)
Spekkio, Master of war