Library internet: Buy time which expires on the same day?

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September 24, 2017

Is this change of the top-up system a smarter move for the library internet access? 

I was at the library today, and after using up my one hour of free internet access for senior citizens – was prompted by the internet terminal to purchase extra usage time at 45 cents for 15 minutes, 90 cents for 30 minutes, and so on, till the maximum of $3.60 for 2 hours.

However, any unused minutes on the same day would be eaten up, because the expiry is on the same day.

Since I wasn’t sure how long I would be using the internet (who would know exactly how long one would be using the internet terminal?) – I purchased 2 hours and had about 45 minutes eaten up when I finished using the terminal.

I asked the librarian what happened to the old system, whereby you top up your prepaid account and any unused time will be carried forward.

She told me that the library had discontinued the prepaid account since March, and that I would have to use another  terminal to request for a refund of the unused amount to my bank account.

If the above is what we call moving forward to become a smart nation – I think we are really in trouble!

What are your thoughts on the above?

Leong Sze Hian

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About the Author

Leong
Leong Sze Hian has served as the president of 4 professional bodies, honorary consul of 2 countries, an alumnus of Harvard University, authored 4 books, quoted over 1500 times in the media , has been a radio talkshow host, a newspaper daily columnist, Wharton Fellow, SEACeM Fellow, columnist for theonlinecitizen and Malaysiakini, executive producer of Ilo Ilo (40 international awards), Hotel Mumbai (associate producer), invited to speak more than 200 times in about 40 countries, CIFA advisory board member, founding advisor to the Financial Planning Associations of 2 countries. He has 3 Masters, 2 Bachelors degrees and 13 professional  qualifications.