WebJunction

We don't use a photo printer and frankly, I would really be concerned about having one in our library. Besides the fact that ink and paper are very expensive, I would be concerned about patrons mucking up the printer by deciding to fix problems themselves, or bringing in their own paper and jamming the works. Also, if their pictures don't print the way they want, they will want a refund, blame the printer, etc., when they really should have done proper post processing and chosend the proper options for printing. Further, if you have matte paper loaded, someone will invariably want glossy. If you have 4x6, they will want to print a 5x7, which will involve staff time to change the paper and then, if printing from a computer, they will have to adjust their paper settings in software. Big potential for high staff intervention.

All of that is some things that neither or I nor my staff would want to tackle. We have enough problems with the patrons damaging our monochrome lasers without something as finicky as a photo printer being added into the mix.

In my mind, what is a better option for them is to upload their pics to Wal-Mart, Sam's, Costco, Ritz or any number of other commerical sites and then pick them up later. They are actually cheaper that way and the library does not have any liability. Further, at least in Texas, if you provide photo printing services, you are supposed to look at every photo and are bound by law to report the printing of obscenity and child pornography to the police. Most states have similar laws and most librarians would not like being put into that position.

Sorry to be so down about it, but I think you should really consider the ramifications and check your state laws before getting into photo printing services.

At our library, we have two patron scanners and a printer that will do either B&W or color. Plus, most of the patron PCs have internet access, so unless we monitor everything everyone prints, there is already the danger that someone will print out something objectionable or even downright illegal. (How many libraries check to see who's printing out song lyrics or other copyrighted material?)

I totally agree with you on the issue of loading/unloading special photo papers! Who needs that hassle?

Having said that, I'd like to give a little plug for a printer that I own at home, which works very well for printing photos: The Canon Pixma ip4200. Very inexpensive, with decent quality and easy borderless printing. I like it much more than either of my previous printers, one an Epson and one an HP. (Sorry, I don't remember the model number on those.)