Thursday, April 9, 2009

Envisionware Thoughts for 27 Things

We have a new PC Reservations system for our Public Computer Users at Central. Eventually, all branches will have the same system. Generally speaking, you change something when it breaks, doesn't work the way it is supposed to, or is outdated. We changed the system because it couldn't do what we needed it to do. A good reason. Of course, our PC Users were thrilled.

what do you mean you have a new system i just got used to the old system it wasn't broken was it what am I supposed to do enter my Library card number and a PIN is my pin the same as my Library card number do I have to use a different pin every time this is too cumbersome I liked the old system at least I knew what it did there are too many steps which computer am i on for how long you mean i have to chose an area instead of a PC I just don't know you are always changing stuff ding*

Okay, well maybe not everyone was thrilled. But some were.

You got a new #&$*!@*% system! no $&*#. This is *&#$#&+@! great. What the %&#$ am I supposed to do?

Stop, Stop, Stop. Let's look at another PC User.

"Wow, this is great. Let me call everyone in my cell phone address book and tell them about it while I'm standing here at the OPAC reserving PC's for the rest of the week. Their gonna love it." And he does.

Okay, let's do this one at a time.

"You mean I can stay on the computer longer?' You can stay on the computer until someone reserves it after your hour. Then you can go get another.

"I logged on early!" Yep. You can do that now.

"It gave me extra time!" Yep. It does.

"You mean I don't have to ask for more time?" Nope.

"Can it fix my credit rating?" Nope.

"I get to unfilter my own sessions?" Yep.

"But, I don't have a PIN." Let me show you how to get one. Remember, make it something you can remember.

"How often can I use a computer?" Anytime a computer is available.

"But, I don't get to chose the PC I want." No. But you do get to limit to a specific area in the Library.

"You mean I can log on at 20 minutes after the hour and get a full hour?" Or more. If you can log on early it will give you the extra time. If no one is waiting for the computer it will automatically extend your time until you are done or someone needs the PC. it will give you 20 minute increments, possibly for the rest of the day.

"I can reserve a computer Friday at 12:15pm?" Yep. And still get your hour. Or more.

"Are you sure it won't fix my credit rating?"

5 comments:

  1. That is great.
    I didn't know that.
    That is something.
    thanks 4 sharing.

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  2. I bet everyone will feel the same as the happy ones pretty quick! Thanks for being one of the guinea pigs!

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  3. You captured it perfectly! We should consider adding a FAQ page somewhere ...

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  4. the software is great- i was talking it up to other spl staff at a workshop yesterday. something to look forward to.

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  5. You've got the mood exactly. Thanks for the chuckle.

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