4.5 Equipment used in delivering an information service

Videorecorders and/or DVD players – staff and students may use these within the school. For students, issues to consider include:

• Offering basic training
• Providing a video/DVD viewing space within the library
• Providing a handbook or manual

Computers at fixed points in the library may need to be managed with a booking system if they are heavily used. Issues to consider include

• Time allowed for student’s single session on computer
• Occuptional health and safety
• Time allowed per day for each student
• Dedicating some computers for Internet access only and others for word processing, the library catalogue use or CD ROMS
• Providing basic training in the use of some software packages
• Providing lists of useful Internet sites
• Providing annotated lists of digital resources accessible in the library
• Providing simple "how to" guides located at the computer terminal
• Providing troubleshooting advice if things go wrong

Computer networks may be set up so students are printing to photocopiers and/or printers. Alternatively, library staff may insist that students save all their work to disc and if they want a file printed they give the disc to the circulation staff to print out. The library may then charge the student for the number of pages and copies and can determine whether the print is in colour or black and white.

Printers in the library may be colour, black and white or both. If you have colour printers available you may like to consider setting the default print server to the black and white printer with students seeking special permission for colour copies. If students are to pay to print information, school library staff need to decide whether students will pay by coin or card. To facilitate card payment, you will need to purchase and attach a card reader to the print server. The decision to use a card payment system will depend on the volume of print traffic your school library handles.

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Photocopiers may be kept in the library for the use of students and staff. If purchasing a new photocopier, consider whether to purchase colour or black and white and whether to purchase with either a card operated or coin operated facility. Copyright guidelines should be clearly displayed near the photocopier and library staff may like to consider offering professional training on copyright to teaching staff. Other issues include:

• How much to charge students
• Whether to charge staff
• How to charge - i.e., use a card or coin
• Providing basic training
• Providing for regular maintenance
• Servicing equipment with technical support from the photocopier supplier

Laptop computers may be available for loan. It is important that clear instructions for using the laptop are included with it when it is issued. Library staff need to consider whether laptops will be loaned to students and if so: 

• What loan period is appropriate
• Will the laptops be taken home or just used within the school
• Providing basic training

Digital cameras and or video cameras may be provided for use by students and staff 

• Training in their use should be mandatory for all school library clients before they can be issued
• School library staff need to consider whether they will be loaned for use outside the school to both students and staff or only to staff
• Consider an appropriate loan period
• Ensure clear operational instructions are included

Data projectors may also be available from the library. These are usually issued to teaching staff. School library staff need to: 

• Provide training
• Know how to set up the equipment
• Ensure a simple one page instruction sheet is included with the projector
• Provide advice if things go awry
• Arrange for repairs

Other equipment available for use within the library may include a laminator, binder, guillotine, public address system, slide carousel, overhead projector and epidiascope.

Issuing the equipment out to the student or staff member will require that the particular item be barcoded and recorded in a catalogue or inventory. All school library staff should be proficient in the operation of any equipment available for use either within the school library or by loan. Staff should also be able to perform minor repairs and be able to refer to the manufacturer or supplier for major faults. Equipment manuals and warranties should be located securely and within easy access. Barcode readers and scanners that are compatible with TALIS equipment and software should be purchased from recommended suppliers to ensure that they are able to be supported by State Library Systems Support.

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