MilCirc and Touch Screens

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MilCirc and Touch Screens

• Deb DowningBloomfield Township Public Library

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Introduction

• Touch screen monitors allow users to touch the
  screen instead of clicking on items with the
  mouse.

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Circulation and Touch Screens

• Touch screens are well suited for circulation
  functions by
• Working well at stand up stations
• Making pop-up messages easier to answer
• Eliminating staff frustration about mouse
  placement (left vs. right-handed users)
• Replacing ALT keystroke shortcuts
• Reducing the amount of switching between mouse
  and keyboard.

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Using Touch Screens

• Most MilCirc functions can be performed using the
  touch screens.
• The mouse is sometimes still needed to select
  items from a tight browse list.
• The WebOPAC and other Millennium modules may be
  used with touch screens your mileage may vary.

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Types of Touch Screens

• Touch Resistive
• Clear Capacitive

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Clear Capacitive

• Highly durable
• Screens can be cleaned with anti-bacterial wipes
• Screens seem to be unaffected by contaminants
  (greasy/sticky fingers)
• More scratch resistant

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Hardware Options Monitors

• Touch screens are available in both normal CRT
  and LCD/Flat panel monitors.
• 3M LCD 820 - 850
• 3M CRT 450 - 500
• http//www.3m.com/3mtouchsystems/

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Hardware Options Conversion Kits

• Conversion kits that place a touch screen over
  the CRT or flat panel monitor are also
  available.
• Magic Touch Conversion kit, 155
• http//www.magictouch.com/

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Advantages of Touch Screens

• The screen is ambidextrous.
• Improved ergonomics of circ stations.
• Speed of using MilCirc is improved.
• User friendly with nothing new to learn.
• Quick and easy installation (5-10 minutes).
• The keyboard can still be used for staff who do
  not like the touch screen.

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Problems/Issues

• Screen stability with flat panel monitors. (a
  weighted base is recommended)
• Must pay attention to the distance of the monitor
  from staff allowing for average arm lengths.
• Long fingernails may scratch the screens.
• Fingers with Band-aids dont work well.
• Must clean the monitors more frequently

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Next Steps

• Wish to add touch screens for all circulation
  desk stations (Friends Wish List)
• Circulation staff stations later.