[Genealib] Unaccompanied Minors

[Linda Koch]

We are a small library and recently added more computers courtesy of a Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Grant.  We have no genealogy room.   Our computer use mushroomed when we added extra computers, and genealogists often resolve the problem of busy computers by bringing in their own laptops.  We still do not have wireless printing, but the wireless setup has really helped, because teens and adults bring in their own laptops, freeing the desktop computers for other patrons to use.  
We look upon Internet access as a privilege, not a right.  If people are not disruptive, things go smoothly.  Problems arise when playground behavior, noise, or conflict occur with teens, or when adults take small children into the adult area and park them beside their chair, expecting them to remain quiet for an hour.  We politely but firmly ask patrons to leave if they previously were warned to be quiet and not disrespect others, or if their behavior warrants ejection.   Frankly, most teens behave better than our worst adults. Many of the teens are fine, but some families have difficulty in being polite with all members in a near-constant state of conflict.  We warn people if they misbehave, and the repeaters may lose Internet privileges and/or library access if their behavior is repeatedly bad.  


----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Iris Bolar 
  To: genealib at mailman.acomp.usf.edu 
  Sent: Sunday, September 14, 2008 5:59 PM
  Subject: [Genealib] Unaccompanied Minors 


        Are there any local history/genealogy rooms in public libraries that have limits on the number of teens and other unaccompanied minors using the room's computers when computers in other areas are clearly available?  Genealogy patrons have complained about the number of kids using our special collection room (some don't want to see ANY kids when they come in there!), and the kids often have to be asked to be quiet or leave.  The problem isn't one or two kids, but three and more.  Kids are passing available computers outside the room and coming straight to the research area where we have signs that researchers have priority.  If a genealogist needs a computer we ask if someone volunteers to give up their computer or we have to boot someone.   



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