Is there something that can be done to prevent students from claiming computers for a very long time? Students actually using the computer for hours are not a problem but those who leave their jackets and backpacks at a computer and leave for up to half an hour or more is a problem. The computers just sit on screen saver while others must wait to find an open computer. Everyone should get a fair chance at using a computer in the library. Is there something that can be done? It would certainly cut down on a lot of frustration experienced by library users.

Thank you for bringing this to our attention. One thing we do know for sure is that the computer areas of the Paley Library are quite crowded for most of the day. We greatly appreciate that you and other students find the Library a great place to do your academic work. That said, we are close to the maximum number of computers we can have in the Library. Therefore we are going to have times when every computer is occupied.

But we agree that occasionally there are students using the computers to play games or other activities that might frustrate you when you need a computer to write or print a paper or do some real research. We’ve been asked before to limit the computers to just research and you can read our response to that suggestion. However, unlike the TECH Center we have neither the staff nor the layout that affords us the ability to monitor how long students are leaving computers unattended – yet occupied. Further, we’ve not heard a complaint about this from any other Library user. Keep in mind that when you see an unoccupied computer station, that student may have gotten up to stand in line for the printer – and that can sometimes take 5-10 minutes. An empty seat need not mean the person will be gone for an extended period. Still, we are concerned and will discuss how we can monitor the situation, and explore some of the things they are doing about this in the TECH Center.

Here’s the best suggestion we have for what to do in this situation. If you come to the main floor of Paley Library and you can’t get on a computer, please proceed to the “Ask Here” desk and request assistance. Our library staff will be glad to help, and we can ask a student who may be simply killing time to give up the computer. We can also investigate a situation where it appears someone has left their personal belongings but isn’t using the computer.

Here are some other things to consider. Are you aware we have computers on the second and third levels? Often students only look for computers on the main level. Consider looking for a computer on the upper levels (we just got some new models). Perhaps you can use a laptop computer. The Paley Library Circulation/Reserve Desk has 75 laptops and netbooks available for loan. If you can’t find a computer available consider borrowing a laptop or netbook, and use it wherever you like. We hope these strategies will enable you to have a better experience when you use the Temple University Libraries.