The library wants to earmark $99,500 in its upcoming budget to purchase three laptop lending kiosks that would boost the number of available computers and remove the human element from the current system where librarians check out portable computers to patrons for inside use. The kiosk pilot program would start in July if the funds are approved.
The digital era has brought major changes to the San Francisco Public Library; patrons can download books from the library's catalog onto their e-readers from the comfort of their home. But the latest gadget library staff is eyeing has some library commissioners questioning whether face-to-face contact trumps high tech.
The library wants to earmark $99,500 in its upcoming budget to purchase three laptop lending kiosks that would boost the number of available computers and remove the human element from the current system where librarians check out portable computers to patrons for inside use. The kiosk pilot program would start in July if the funds are approved.
"I just keep envisioning a Pepsi-Cola machine where the laptop slides into your lap," San Francisco Public Library Commission President Jewelle Gomez said.
The kiosks, which can be found in about a dozen libraries and colleges around the country, dispense laptops or tablets with the swipe of a library card. Once the device is returned, the machine wipes the laptop clean, scans it for any technical problems and charges the battery.
"I'm a little skeptical of it," Commissioner Larry Kane said. "I'd rather have, instead of $100,000 for kiosks, 20 or 30 more laptops."
Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/S-F-library-eyes-laptop-lending-kiosks-4247559.php#ixzz2JwrlVIv0
