Top 5 Tasks Patrons Use Library Computers for (work in progress)

Posted on April 21st, 2009 by Heather Braum

Liz & I are investigating possibly using nettops/netbooks in our libraries. One of the things we’re looking into is trying to determine what patrons are actually using patron computers for, as nettops/netbooks aren’t as power-hungry or hardware-intensive as a regular desktop. We theorize, that in reality, 95% of what people are using library computers for are basic tasks, which is what nettops/netbooks are built for! To test our theory, Liz initially threw out a question to our Twitter friends, asking “twitter game: top 5 things your patrons do on library computers. Go”. I re-tweeted the question to my friends, and then asked the question on two other social networks I’m on.

We’ve received several responses already through the various social networks; the responses are listed below, and we’ll add to the list if more come in (will be sending this out on various library listservs, too). Let us know in the comments the top 5 things your patrons use library computers for. Thanks to all who responded already!

The List So Far:

• Banking
• Bill paying
• Chat
• Course management software (online)
• Database use (journal articles)
• Discipline-specific software
  
• Download forms
  
• Download Music to Mp3 players
• eBay
• Email
• File taxes online
• Games (web-based)
• Games (computer)
• Homework
• Job hunting
• “Keep up with the times. This past week it was Susan Boyle”
• Maps
• Music
• News
• Online card catalog
• PowerPoint presentations
• Read articles about interests
• Research on the Web
• Resumes
• Shopping
• Social Networking
• Unemployment Compensation
• Web surfing
• Word Processing
• Work-related
• YouTube

Tags: netbooks, nettops, twitter

Technology product reviews

Posted on September 25th, 2008 by Heather Braum

When many people ask what equipment I’d recommend purchasing, which brand is best, I typically depend on a combination of reviews from CNET Reviews, as well as performing Google searches for the specific product I’m looking at purchasing. CNET Reviews is a great starting place if you simply have no idea where to start when you’re ready to purchase a new laptop, camera, printer, or other devices; software reviews are also available. You can browse the site through many categories, including by product type, by brand, and by price range.

The editor reviews are full of great explanations, videos (sometimes), brand and model comparisons, and price comparisons, including options of where to purchase the product you’re considering. The reviews will also include consumer reviews, so you’re able to see what the experts say and also what ordinary citizens have to say about the product.

The next time you’re ready to purchase a new camera for the library or a patron asks you what you would recommend for a new computer, check out CNET Reviews to find out everything you ever wanted to know (and probably didn’t want to know) about technology products and gadgets.