Computer for library?

Discussions around the setup, operation, replacement, and disposal of clerk computers, not to include using MLS
kpeek
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Computer for library?

#1

Post by kpeek »

Just wondering when the FM group will begin to supply a computer to our libraries. The computer in our library (donated by a member) is used every Sunday for printing out materials searched for by some Primary SS teacher, and others too. There has even been talk in our library of getting rid of some printed magazines currently stored there, which can be accessed and printed on demand instead.

Teachers also like to download audio files and audio/videos file and burn CDs or DVDs on occasion, for display on TVs. And they search for talks when they have some idea of what was said, but not sure who or when. Can't easily do a search like this without a computer.

And printing out materials brought to the church by a teacher with only a thumb drive, is an obvious use for a printer hooked up to a computer.

So, just thinking that this trend would likely continue along with demand, and that a library computer is inevitable. And it would be great to get a nice one from our FM group, and soon! Any plans or talk of this in the future?

Also, might be nice to hear from you about additional uses for a library computer.
drepouille
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Re: Computer for library?

#2

Post by drepouille »

I remember years ago when I would contact Church HQ and ask if we could put donated computers in our meetinghouse libraries. The answer was always a flat NO.
I haven't kept up with recent policy changes on this subject, if there have been any.
Dana Repouille, Plattsmouth, Nebraska
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gregwanderson
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Re: Computer for library?

#3

Post by gregwanderson »

From LDS.org Procedures for Adding and Discarding Materials
Church magazines need not be kept longer than 10 years after they are published, though it may be helpful to keep conference issues for a longer period. If online access to Church magazines is readily available to members in your area, magazines may not need to be kept in the library at all, or the length of time they are kept may be shortened.
By having a computer in the library, you've created expectations that people don't have in other wards (like mine). Nobody here would expect a ward librarian to print materials from a thumb drive or find things online for them. At most, they might ask the ward clerk to use the computer in his office for something like that. But usually they know that if they can't find and/or print materials before coming to church then they can't expect someone else to be able to do it for them. (Our library has a copier, but it's not hooked up to anything that would use it as a printer.)

Our librarians aren't necessarily skilled with computers (and the teachers are usually more skilled anyway), so a computer in the library might not do a lot of good. You also run into the problem of what to do if the computer needs to be repaired or replaced. In your case, you'd probably have to rely on another member to donate again since the FM group isn't likely to take responsibility for a donated computer.

Now, instead of a computer whiz for a librarian, we now have someone who is officially called as our "Ward Technology Specialist" and, oddly enough, I am that person. I have, therefor, taken charge of downloading hundreds of church MP4 files and making the most relevant of those available to play on the library's equipment (from USB drives or from the DVDs I've made) while keeping the rest in a convenient spot for "on demand" use. People often ask me for help (rather than the ward clerk) on the other issues you reference. And I have access to the ward clerk's computer (when the clerks or Bishopric aren't using it).

And, of course, technology issues are changing rapidly, so maybe your wish of having the FM group supply a library computer will happen one day.

P.S. It looks like they've updated the Meetinghouse Library Materials recommended list too. Yipee! The one they had just a few months ago was still listing VHS tapes and no TV larger than 25 inches. This one (with a 47" TV!) is much better.
russellhltn
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Re: Computer for library?

#4

Post by russellhltn »

kpeek wrote:Just wondering when the FM group will begin to supply a computer to our libraries.
There is currently no policy for the church to provide computers to the library. That's not to say it won't happen, but until there's a policy, the FM Group will not supply one.
Have you searched the Help Center? Try doing a Google search and adding "site:churchofjesuschrist.org/help" to the search criteria.

So we can better help you, please edit your Profile to include your general location.
kpeek
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Re: Computer for library?

#5

Post by kpeek »

Thanks Russell, and especially Greg for the great quote and the link with info about the new materials including TVs. We recently got a new "portable" 26" TV. Kind of too big for most folks to carry around even in the pouch. But put on a small cart, strap it down with a quick release strap around the base and top of cart, and we have an easily portable unit that can moved anywhere.

Maybe we shouldn't do this, but when a members needs a computer to print things out, our librarians just let them into the back of the library where the computer is located. That way a knowledgeable person is operating the computer and librarians don't need training. But if we wanted to keep members out of the library, we could put a monitor, keyboard, and mouse by the customer service window (using extension cables). (Computers don't mind multiple keyboards and mice attached, but only one operator at a time please).

Librarians have already gotten rid of "transparencies" and associated equipment. But with the new TVs and DLPs (digital light projectors), stake broadcasting and display equipment, Internet networking cabinet and other stuff, the library is shrinking! So more stuff has got to go and the computer is the key!
jdlessley
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Re: Computer for library?

#6

Post by jdlessley »

kpeek wrote:And printing out materials brought to the church by a teacher with only a thumb drive, is an obvious use for a printer hooked up to a computer.
The newer copiers such as the Xerox Workcentre 4260 have a USB port for printing from a thumb drive. The file formats this specific copier can print from USB are PDF, TIFF, Multi-page TIFF and JPEG.
JD Lessley
Have you tried finding your answer on the ChurchofJesusChrist.org Help Center or Tech Wiki?
drepouille
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Re: Computer for library?

#7

Post by drepouille »

I have purchased three kinds of cables for the new 32-inch TVs: HDMI, VGA/audio, and component video.
I had a crazy idea that I would take some of the older, smaller, used computers that litter my house, and attach a computer to each TV cart. Each computer would have a wireless adapter, DVD drive, and of course, USB ports. I never did that, but I was sorely tempted.
Dana Repouille, Plattsmouth, Nebraska
craiggsmith
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Re: Computer for library?

#8

Post by craiggsmith »

On a slightly related note, it would be extremely helpful to be able to schedule TV's and such on LDS.org, but that would require a computer in the library.
Gary_Miller
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Re: Computer for library?

#9

Post by Gary_Miller »

craiggsmith wrote:On a slightly related note, it would be extremely helpful to be able to schedule TV's and such on LDS.org, but that would require a computer in the library.
All you need to do is add your TV's to the calendar at which point they could be scheduled as a resource the same a a room.
russellhltn
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Re: Computer for library?

#10

Post by russellhltn »

I think the problem is the expectation that a librarian can schedule the TV while they are in the library. That would require some kind of computer with a internet connection.
Have you searched the Help Center? Try doing a Google search and adding "site:churchofjesuschrist.org/help" to the search criteria.

So we can better help you, please edit your Profile to include your general location.
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