[Michlib-l] Hours for tech support -- do we need to worry about liability?

[Christine Wedge]

Our library has many patrons who bring in their devices (laptops, 
ereaders, tablets, cell phones) and ask for help from our technology 
coordinator.  We offer classes on using ebooks and social media and a 
wide variety of software, but we have an aging population and many folks 
want personalized help.

It can be disruptive to our tech coordinator to drop what she's doing 
and figure out how a patron's device works or what's wrong. So we're 
trying a 'tech hour' for four days a week.  If you need help with your 
device, bring it in at 11 on Mondays (or 1 p.m. on Tuesday, etc) and 
Nancy will try to help you.

We will tell patrons that these times are for general operating 
questions only, not for repairs or complete private software tutorials.

Do any of you offer a similar service?

Do you include any language to limit any legal liability you might 
have?  Since we won't be repairing devices or anything and just 
explaining to patrons how to use their own items, it seems we should be 
okay, but if you have any advice, please share.

Thanks
Christine Wedge
Alpena County George N. Fletcher Public Library

-- 
Christine Wedge
Library Development Coordinator
Alpena County George N. Fletcher Public Library
211 N. First Avenue
Alpena, MI  49707

989-356-6188 x25