Re: OT: Public libraries

About the only place I see people "browsing" is in the DVD
sections -- they are looking for something that is available NOW.
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catalog. Most technical stuff or 2nd language content is in the
stacks at a central branch or even in different cities.

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We have a spanish language (and lately hindi) items sprinkled
throughout.  The branches interoperate from a single collection.
So, if what you want is "elsewhere", it is retrieved to your
branch (unless you want to drive to the branch that currently
has it shelved) and you are notified.
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You return the item to any branch -- though typically your own.
It sits on THAT shelf until demand for it cause it to be moved
to a different branch.  (silly to move items to particular
branches unless there is a demand).
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A transport service regularly visits all of the libraries to
shuffle items in/out.  An item available at one branch may take a
couple of days to make its way to your branch (there are 27
branches in the system so the "shuttle" can't visit all of them
every day)
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This reduces 'shelf browsing' considerably, if you know what
you're looking for, even for fiction or 'other' entertainment.
Hence the 'reserved' service use.
 
My neighborhood tends to be both migrant and immigrant - scrambling
to save every cent - so library services and hardware may be
the only ones available that don't require you to buy something,
just to sit down. Also a quiet place for students and gig 'workers'
to do their stuff, via wi-fi.

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WiFi is available at all branches as well as many commercial establishments
around town.  It's not uncommon to see someone sitting in a car, outside,
using the WiFi from their phone (it is left running 24/7 and not just
limited to library business hours)
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One can reserve one of two meeting rooms for quiet work or small
meetings.  But, these are time limited; you wouldn't be able to
put in a day's work, there.
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OTOH, you could find a quiet corner and hope not to be disturbed
(kids entering/exiting "storytime" tend to be the biggest/loudest
disturbance).
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Internet access is restricted, though.  You won't be visiting "blacklisted"
sites (unless you have your own VPN).
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And, the few times I have seen folks watching porn, they have been
politely asked to stop -- or leave.
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Time on public computers is doled out in 1 hour chunks.  You can
typically renew for a second hour.  Beyond that, it is up to the
local traffic and the mood of the staff.
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Computers are sited adjacent to each other.  You likely wouldn't
want to do your taxes, there (no space and no privacy).
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Time-limited E-books, music and video files require extra hardware,
but they're cataloged much the same. This is useful for families
without extensive internet/cable entertainment data packages.

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DVDs seem to be the big draw -- especially in those areas of
town that are less affluent.  I suspect "everyone" has a DVD player
(or, HAD one).  So, they are the most portable medium.
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I've not seen any numbers on how often the titles offered via
streaming (contracted with third party providers) are referenced.
There, you are stuck either watching on a computer/phone OR a
"smart TV" (something that limits appeal)
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Being warm, dry and public, libray washrooms and seating will
always be in demand by those with few alternatives.

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Yes.  These have often been abused; people BATHING in there,
etc.  As there are typically only two bathrooms in each facility,
it isn't hard to create a bottleneck for people who *need* them
for their "intended functions".
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Users feeling guilty about taking advantage of the services
should also feel free to donate, when they can.

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This also depends on the amount of free time of the patrons in
question.  Often, the people who NEED these facilities don't have
the spare time to donate.  Observation suggests that it is
largely "seniors" who are supporting the library with volunteer
labor.  And, they come and go -- as their various ailments
(and death!) dictate.
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[Hanging around with old people can be depressing, for this reason;
"Where's Dorothy?"  "Oh, she died two days ago..."]
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