RICHMOND

Richmod selectmen Wednesday approved the purchase of a pair of new laptops for the Umberhine Library That decision had also been tabled at a past meeting as selectmen expressed concern about a $480 price tag for the new machines, and had requested more information.

Library trustee Rose Beckwith outlined a timeline of the library’s technology troubles, noting it had requested an information technology specialist come take a look at two laptops that were not functioning properly. She noted that while the town has a contract for IT work, no technician had yet come to check the computers.

Having two of the library’s four laptops for public use down, Beckwith said, was an “emergency situation.” She estimated 500 people have used the public computers in the last six months, based on what library staff are able to track, when all machines are in use and someone comes to staff needing to use one. Beckwith estimated that the overall number of people using library computers is likely much higher.

Library trustees had reached out to staff in Gardiner, and chose two $480 Dell computers for performance reasons. They also expressed a desire to replace laptops on a rotating basis to avoid future technology issues.

With the new information, selectmen approved the purchase, with the money coming from a library reserve account funded through donations. Although it comes from donations, selectmen must approve a purchase coming out of any reserve account.

chris@timesrecord.com

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