In reply to your query about computer diskettes that come with practice
manuals, I believe it is the publishers' intent that the diskette be a
companion of the book. Some even come with adhesive "envelopes" that can
be pasted into the front cover.
The provision for making a backup copy would cover you for making a copy
to keep in case the first one is lifted. A possible solution to the
stealing problem would be password protection; I suspect that there is
some shareware that you can install on the companion diskette that would
enable you to encrypt a version of the diskette for use by a patron who
properly checks it out. (That would argue for a diskette kept at the
"front desk."
I'd be interested in other librarians' opinions, because I have clients
who probably will pay attention to your needs.
Ellen
bstarkey@law.whittier.edu wrote:
>
> My colleagues and I at Whittier Law School library are currently trying to
> come up with a policy for those computer diskettes that come with many
> practice manuals. We would like to make these available to our patrons
> so they can be used, but without being easily stolen. We would
> appreciate any information about how other libraries out there handle
> these items, aside from tossing them or using them as coasters.
>
> As always, anyone with advice can contact me directly and I will
> summarize for the list, in case there is anyone else out there with the
> same problem.
>
> Thank you.
>
> ************************************************************************************
> Brendan Starkey, Reader Services Librarian
> Whittier Law School
> 5353 W. Third St., Los Angeles, CA 90020
> (213) 938-3621 Ext. 155, Fax: 938-8639, bstarkey@law.whittier.edu
> ************************************************************************************
-- ============================================================ Ellen M. Poler 2008 Harrison St. Attorney at Law Evanston IL 60201 Publishing Consultant 847-869-2139 (Phone) epoler@interaccess.com 847-869-2137 (Fax) ============================================================
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