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You Can’t Lock a Good Browser Down April 30, 2010

Posted by k3nd in Browsers, Technology.
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I find it frustrating that the major browser players do not have a kiosk version of their product. That is, a version for use in public domains such as libraries. These companies are unable to comprehend that not everybody is using their browser in a secure environment in the comfort of their own home.

I am no programming expert, but surely it is a simple process to make a browser suitable for a public space. Simply allow administrators the ability to hide options such as the changing of  network settings, home pages, etc. It is not a matter of locking down the browser in a straight jacket, so as to give the user a negative browsing experience. It is simply the tweaking of a few menus to prevent a few basic settings from being viewed.

To their credit, Microsoft does allow this through their group policy editor, SteadyState. However, with versions above the dreaded 6, administrators cannot hide the address or search bar, which I want to do on webcat PCs. As we know, Explorer is not the fastest or most attractive browser, and I would love to steer clear of it. However, at the moment, it is the only browser which can be locked down satisfactorily.

Firefox and Opera state that they do have kiosk mode but  is way too complicated to initiate. Even Chrome, for all it’s excellence in simplicity and speed,  do not have a kiosk version. Too many settings can be changed. Simply give permission to hide options, problem solved.

In a time when more and more people are turning to libraries for their information hit, it is well overtime that the major browser players provide a secure, flexible and fast browser for public use.

Just do it April 20, 2010

Posted by k3nd in Change, Disturbance, Staff.
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10 simple innovations your library could do right now (if you aren’t already)

  • Staff to fill in weekly roster. Those that don’t put down would know about it from their colleagues.
  • Roving Shifts. Deal with problems as they occur.
  • More display screens to get your message out there.
  • Flexible working hours, as we all can’t afford to live in Sydney.
  • DVDs & CDs without security cases. It’s a time waster opening and closing, are a needless cost, plus takes up space.
  • Help staff to be web2.0 savvy. Encourage staff to contribute to or develop their own blog, have twitter account, etc. Support staff to “play”.
  • Outsource the tedious and deskilling job of covering/labeling of items.
  • No stamping due dates. Another time waster. Employ a slip printer for a record of issues.
  • Praise staff more, brow beat them less. You will  get more bees to the hive with honey.
  • Cease the outdated practice of  wearing ties. Adds to the library’s sense of rigidity.

A License to Roam April 19, 2010

Posted by k3nd in Roving, Staff.
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The first roving shift at my Organisation was a tremendous success. I served many patrons straight away, where previously they would have had to cool their heels for a few minutes. The service desk was kept tidy and ordered plus no queues ensued. Working as a team, the roving shift, which lasted an hour, freed up desk staff to carry out their issues and returns (which is unfortunately the truth for libraries without RFID) without long queues of  patrons.

Not being tied to the desk I was able to help a few people who would probably have been left floundering in not being able to locate certain resources. Desk staff who are unable to show the patron where a resource is, because they are stuck joining a person up, know there is a backup in the field.  The amount of time a rover will need to spend behind the service desk will depend upon the competencies and enthusiasm of the desk staff. The rover is not meant to be returning items all shift, so staff  should not expect it. Again, it’s not rocket science. Work with your rover and vice versa. Move people along quickly, efficiently and in a pleasant and happy manner.

There will of course be those who scoff at the idea of a rover. “Why not just have another person on the desk” they spout. Well, they are half right. Yes, it is an extra person on the desk to help out when needed. However, the point they overlook is the rover is not chained to the desk and can help patrons  amongst the shelves, before they  need to come to the desk. The person stuck at the photocopier, who can’t find an item amongst the shelves, who can’t work the catalogue, who doesn’t know where the pay station is, who can’t work out the genre system. All this happens away from the granite desk. Some may come and ask for help and join the long queue, others will flounder. It really is a no brainer.

It will take time for the concept to be accepted and perfected, but if done properly will immensely increase customer service, efficiencies on the desk, and allow patrons to leave satisfied and more likely to return.

A Wandering Star that Lights my Way April 16, 2010

Posted by k3nd in Roving, Staff.
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My Organisation will finally be implementing a pilot roving librarian shift. It will rove twice a day during designated busy periods. One of the primary aims is to bring the desk to the patrons.  As one of my colleagues quite wittingly stated, the roving slogan should be “bringing the desk to you”.

In a previous entry I alluded to the need for a roving librarian. For a variety of reasons, the fact is that many patrons will not approach a service desk. It may be because staff are too busy issuing and returning items, joining new borrowers, etc. They may be too shy to approach or think their question is rather trivial.

With many libraries having already implemented this policy, it is a positive move in the right direction. The next step is to publicise the roving shift on twitter and other mediums to let the public know the hours when a rover is available.

Thanks to b3rn for the head ups regarding a possible roving theme song.

The tune is very short and catchy. Workers are often found singing along or humming this short ditty and can’t get it out of their minds. Maybe we shouldn’t be singing the trolololo song whilst roving, as patrons may become alarmed, however to mirror this chap’s happiness and care free nature would surely embody the elements of a first class rover.

Back in the Saddle April 7, 2010

Posted by k3nd in Change, Staff.
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Everybody occasionally needs time to step back and  smell the roses. To enjoy the moment, reaffirm what’s important in life, and work towards it, or else you will find it’s too late. Renewal is an important factor in life. There are many paths to take. Many may seem easy on the surface but fail to deliver in the long run. Often the harder path will see you wanting to turn back. However, stick it out and the rewards will be worth it. Well that’s enough from the enlightened guru.

The same principle applies to libraries. Don’t get too caught up in processes and policies which are past their use by date. Jump clear of the cogs and visualize the organisation for what it is. Directed and motivated by people, not people being a slave to the organisation. Be part of the machine, not of the machine.

Ask everybody how procedures can be improved. Take all suggestions on board and treat each with the respect it deserves. To quote the Desiderata, “Speak your truth quietly and clearly, and listen to others,
even the dull and ignorant; they too have their story.” Well maybe not as brutal as that, but you get my drift.

There will be the doubters, those driven by the machine. Those unable to see the forest for the trees. Those protecting power bases, vested interests, and comfort zones. Hopefully those types are falling by the wayside as they are being swept along by the torrent of change. As the saying goes, it’s not rocket science, just plain common sense.