Saturday, December 26, 2015

New Computers, New Services

A Christmas present for the Hutchinson Public Library patrons and staff! Now that we've finished the big task of moving our public computers downstairs, we are adding some new services and changing the way we allocate our public computers.

We are adding software called Envisionware PC Reservation. This piece of software will allow patrons to reserve a public computer for the time period of their choosing even days ahead if desired. It will also allow patrons to sit down at empty computer stations right away. This software takes the staff out of the process of checking people in and out and tracking time allotted. Staff members will be more free to help instead!

Integrated in to the software is another product called LPT:One which controls printing. Currently, a patron will choose something to print and the printer will spit it out without regard to number of pages, etc. This can cause needless printing of unneeded pages. LPT:One holds the print job at a designated print computer which will be right next to the printers. Patrons can then select and print only the jobs they want. It will save us paper and toner and hopefully save patrons from printing things they don't need.

A side benefit of this software is that it will provide HPL with wireless printing! If all goes well, patrons should be able to send print jobs from their own devices to the print station.

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