I'm probably in a bit of a different situation than others, because we our library spaces across the hospital system are mostly for employees. So for us, "guest users" are usually students who are there on rotations from nearby colleges, but don't get log ins because their work period in the hospital is so short. We have what we call "auto log on" computers (I think this might be a term unique to our company). Basically, the computer itself has a username and password in the active directory, and on start up it automatically logs in. The amount you can access before it will throw up a barrier and ask for an individual log in is limited (for example, if you try to go to email or anything HR related, it will throw up a log in screen), but you can access library resources and just browse the web in general.

I don't know if this helps. I can try to explain further if needed.
Lena

Lena Bohman
Senior Data Management and Research Impact Librarian
Long Island Jewish - Forest Hills Liaison
Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell
[cid:903b4a10-04aa-4c8f-b095-a308e1583420]<https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJ7OuwLufMv2qNckbP4lTgWMp3Cswjq1M>
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From: Code for Libraries <[log in to unmask]> on behalf of Martin, Will <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Wednesday, September 25, 2024 11:20 AM
To: [log in to unmask] <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: [CODE4LIB] Guest computers

EXTERNAL MESSAGE

All,

I'm curious how you handle access for guests at your libraries.

Here at UND, we've used a process for many years that involves issuing a guest account in the campus Active Directory server through NetIQ Access Manager (NAM), which is supplied by campus IT. But it has a lousy UI and doesn't work reliably. When it does work, it takes about 15 minutes for the account to become active. When it doesn't work - which is more often than not - the account never works at all.  At that point we usually just have a staff member log in and let the patron use their account, which is not great.

We're a depository library for the state and the federal government, so we're required to ensure that the public can access government documents.  Which are, of course, increasingly digital these days.

So we're looking for other ways to manage guest access.  How do you all do it in your libraries?

Will Martin

Head of Digital Initiatives, Systems and Services
Chester Fritz Library
University of North Dakota
he/his/him

701.777.4638
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