PCPL gets CASSIE system

Saturday, December 12, 2009

GREENCASTLE -- CASSIE or Computer Access Software Solution is the Putnam County Public Library's new computer and printer management software.

Beginning Dec. 21, this integrated software product will assist staff with control of public access to the computers and printers in the library.

The library offers free access to computers and the Internet. Because the computers are so popular, software has been installed to improve everyone's access to the library public-use-computers.

Using the barcode from the individual's library card and a password, CASSIE will keep track of the amount of time a user is on the computer.

Each day patrons will be allowed to use a computer for one hour. At the end of the hour there is an option to extend the session for up to one more hour, providing no others are waiting. This helps maintain fairness and ensures everyone gets a chance to use a computer.

In addition, CASSIE will be used to maintain a waiting list. Patrons will sign-up on the system's list and wait for their turn. The system will allow patrons to make a reservation to use a computer at a future date.

Currently a charge of 10 cents per page is applied to black and white printing and 50 cents per page for color printing. CASSIE also manages printing.

Patrons will pre-pay with cash by adding money to a personal print account at the circulation desk. The system will calculate the print charges and show the print job costs before the decision to print is made.

CASSIE will maintain security and allow a patron to temporarily lock and unlock the computer with a password, should he or she need to step away to use a cell phone or the rest room. The session time will continue to count down while the computer is locked.

Additionally, CASSIE protects patron privacy by closing all documents and clearing private browser data at the end of each user's session.

Computer users must have a valid library card to use the computers. Simply stop by the circulation desk where staff will be happy to help anyone obtain a card who doesn't currently have one.

PCPL purchased CASSIE to ensure fairer and more equitable computer access for all patrons who want to use library computers. The staff looks forward to assisting patrons with the new CASSIE system.

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