Dear Editor,

There seems to be a bit of misunderstanding at the St Thomas Parish Library with regards to usage of the computer and wireless (Wi-Fi) Internet, as well as other issues which involve the general public.

I don’t wish to get into administrative matters, as those are for the senior librarian. However, based on the behaviour of several staff members and an administrative person in particular, the library distracts from learning. For one thing, there are too many or there is a double-standard at the library.

The Government introduced free Internet service at all public libraries in an effort to educate the populace, among other things. It is up to the Jamaica Library Service to determine under what conditions the Internet should be used.

People using the St Thomas Parish Library are entitled to 30 minutes of computer usage (and with discretion) — I have seen others receive, and I have been given, an additional 5-15 minutes, depending on the crowd.

The problem with the wireless service is that, on numerous occasions library users have to leave or they have to sit and wait because no one is available to input the (Wi-Fi) code into the laptop or other wireless gadget so that they can access the Internet.

I cannot understand this, neither do many others whom I have heard complaining. The Client System Support Specialist (a very able and professional man) is not available at all times, seeing as he has to journey to other satellite centres. At times, the other senior member of staff who has the code is not available, or cannot be located, or is not at work. For that reason, the Wi-Fi is not accessible, which frustrates people.

The parish library serves six high schools and a number of primary schools. On some Saturdays, it is overcrowded, resulting in a number of people being shut out.

I strongly believe that the library has outgrown its capacity and a number of the staff members need a refresher course in customer service. The library is a learning environment, but it needs friendly and proficient staff to keep it going.

Charlie Brown

charliebrown1004@hotmail.com