[Michlib-l] Thoughts on Future Computer/Laptop Configurations and Study Pod Purchases in Small, Rural Public Libraries

[Alicia Ford]

Hello,

My library has been entertaining different ideas lately about: 1) Adding small study pods within our existing library space to accommodate the growing need for more study/private work spaces (for reference, we have one main study room that cannot be reserved ahead of time, and a local history room that has become a second study room when not otherwise occupied; and 2) Re-imagining our future public computer setup.  We currently have 8 public desktop computers (recently having decreased from 10 total desktops) that are rarely all in use at once, and are most heavily utilized by those needing to print specific documents.  All our computers are starting to show their age, having been last replaced/updated in 2019.  My director has wondered aloud if we might be better serving patrons by moving completely to laptops with wireless printing capabilities, and having a smaller number of overall computers moving forward?

I wondered if anyone has moved to solutions that they have loved (and what companies you've purchased with, if willing to share vendor info); and, if there are down sides to study pods versus more traditional study rooms, and to laptops versus desktop computers in libraries.  I'm interested in these from both a staff and patron viewpoint, as well as whether these would be more expensive to undergo these changes.

Any advice and info can be sent to me off-list at alicia at colomapubliclibrary.net<mailto:alicia at colomapubliclibrary.net>.  I'm happy to compile responses with anyone else wanting this info as well.  Thanks,

Alicia Ford, Assistant Director
Coloma Public Library
151 W. Center St.
P.O. Box 430
Coloma, MI  49038
(269) 468-3431
Click Here To See a Virtual Tour of Our Library: https://maps.app.goo.gl/JqqmfuVbnZ96eeht9<https://u1340922.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.nRxjRkb4YmXg-2F-2FuE3D-2BZo02arLx7r8TtmksPcDksoQsFs-2FteeoixCmHKq3akrTZMH9JAAJ-2FMMGJLuMcFy-2B026Q-3D-3DnhnC_qmRvKW04sHehfCW-2FQ77VgMpzheC5HgjA8PmFsras7h4Y98AaxsN4FR7rFzVgfyx4BOWY8kK4PhX3AgVvmKZ3ZaI1XOzdsvEKDHuMqzLL79rv8LGmdbWXVDY3-2F-2F3emQL-2BD8idaoe9oGXnSNggSYvft7e1vwE-2FaOpgLhFLUrnYbFQ83RvuP8dVcXt5epf7AGoMQrURrszC4HGu81lu-2Ff0-2FyA-3D-3D>

-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://mail3.mcls.org/pipermail/michlib-l/attachments/20250313/601e8c24/attachment.html>