Because interest in the TIMEX Sinclair Personal Computer is so keen at the John C. Hart Memorial Library in Shrub Oak, New York, reservations to obtain computer time must be made well in advance. According to Library Director, Betty F. Stewart, approximately 40-eager patrons have been waiting — for as long as three months — just for a chance to obtain “hands-on” experience with the computer.
Since its inception in January of 1983, this unique computer lending program has captured the imagination of would-be computer whizzes in this northern Westchester County (NY) community of 32,000. Ms. Stewart explains, “The purpose of this program is to foster computer literacy and to overcome the fear of computers. It is much less intimidating and frightening if a patron has the opportunity to work with a computer in the comfort of the patron’s own home.”
The time-sharing program is working well. Although computer time has been booked solid since the program began, library patrons — ranging from 13 to 90 — have learned to operate the TIMEX Sinclair Personal Computer with little difficulty.
Library staff is always on-hand to answer any questions. “We are just as eager as our patrons to learn about the computer. If there are questions we can’t answer,” said Ms. Stewart, “we simply call the TIMEX 800 number.”
The library owns two personal computers: A T/S 1000 — which the library purchased — and a ZX-81 — which was donated by a patron. The computer plus a start-up kit — consisting of the TIMEX Ram Pack, an instruction manual, a tape recorder, and two TIMEX software cassettes — are loaned for a period of one-week.
Besides the use of library cards to track every item that is loaned, the patron is required to sign a responsibility form (parents sign for minors) to insure that the computer is well cared for (upon its return, a quick program is run to confirm that the computer is in good operating condition).
Overdue loans is not a great problem either. To encourage the prompt return of the computer, a hefty $2.00 per-item, per-day (including weekends) fee is enforced. Library circulation staff conscientiously call all patrons in advance of the due date. This is done to avoid the imposition of an expensive overdue charge.
In addition to books and computers, the John C. Hart Memorial Library also circulates tape cassettes, books on cassettes, records, comic books, magazines, Polaroid cameras, and educational toys. “The library’s philosophy is that information, in whatever form, should be considered as a service,” concluded Betty Stewart.
TIMEX has recently instituted a special program for libraries which includes the computer and all installation accessories, instruction manual, RAM module, and TIMEX carrying case — all included at a very special price. Please contact the TIMEX Education Department for more information.
Imagine a computer lending library! What will people think of next?