That’s because electronic games can now be placed on the PC terminals at all seven branches. The board of trustees approved an amendment to that policy, recently.
“The board approved the amendment to the policy for access to electronic information and now permits games to be played on the Internet,” said Library Director Chris Sanford.
While the sentence was struck that previously didn’t allow that use, another sentence was added which says: “However, band width for uses within the category of games may be limited based on consultation with the Davis County Information Systems Department in order to assure adequate response time in the operation of the Internet throughout the system.”
“The original concerns about games being played on the Internet” no longer exist, Sanford said.
Those included concerns about band width availability, number of available terminals, and a way to adequately manage the time patrons had to use the Internet.
“We have been able to add terminals to all of our libraries and feel we have an adequate number of PCs,” she said.
“We have been using our time management software, feel comfortable, confident as it helps us adequately manage those resources,” Sanford said.
“Now with assurances from Information Systems, that there is a way to limit band width, should that become necessary, so we won’t see across-the-board slowdowns.”
Assistant Library Director Jerry Meyer polled libraries from Logan south along the Wasatch Front on their gaming policies. He “found most libraries do allow games to be played on the Internet,” Sanford said.
“Limitations on game playing, just like any other use of the Internet, hinges on prohibiting access to content that is legally defined as harmful to minors,” she emphasized, adding, “There are filters in place.”
Patrons are allowed 30 minute sessions, with a maximum of three hours permitted every 24 hours. That includes use at any library branch during that period.
“Signage went up the day the board approved the amendment to our policy,” Sanford said.
“We have not seen, to date, any significant increase in the use of the Internet based on the change in policy. Nor have we seen any particular drain on band width.”
In a related computer area, Sanford said “we are seeing some significant increase in the use of wireless access across the (library) system – in particular, now that we’ve been able to add headquarters (Farmington) and Kaysville Branch. That wasn’t possible before.
“It’s very nice to see patrons taking advantage of that opportunity,” she said. “We’re excited to have worked that out.
“Consistently, if you walk through any library, you will see patrons taking advantage of that wireless capability.”
tbusselberg@davisclipper.com
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