Universal Ergonomics?

I don't know how it is at your public library, but at the public library closest to my home, the computer stations need a bit of an update. Admittedly, I rarely use the computer there since I have one at home, but I would dearly love for my community to have more comfortable experiences with internet usage.

Let me see if I can describe it for you. There are four or five (I'm ashamed to say I don't remember exactly) computers lined up on a folding table with plastic, institutional chairs to sit on. There are no dividers between the stations, and certainly not much room to stash your belongings/books, etc. The screens are positioned quite low, so much so that I (a vertically challenged individual) have to tilt the poor dinosaur of a monitor up to see the screen. Are you getting the picture?

I do feel obliged to add that "my" library has recently closed for renovations, and I am hopeful that a good portion of the budget will be spent on technological advances. And would it be too much to ask that they consider our comfort and health while they're at it? Is it even possible to create a computer station that is easily adjusted so it can be ergonomic for every user?

Here is a link to some general guidelines for ergonomics.

Obviously, some of the guidelines require that the user be aware of his/her own body, and no one would expect a "body mechanics police" to monitor library computer terminals. However, there are some things that should be the libraries' responsibility. For example, proper monitor distance, vertically adjustable screens, adjustable chairs and foot rests should be standard at any computer station.

Now, I feel I should mention that my seven years' experience as a Certified Massage Therapist has given me a unique perspective on ergonomics. I have seen/felt/heard a host of physical problems associated with computer use. Though this is certainly not an exhaustive list, the complaints range from frozen shoulder to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome to Thoracic Outlet Syndrome to chronic headaches and neck pain. The severity of some symptoms can be managed with regular breaks and stretching. I like the list of stretches suggested in the above link, but I would be remiss as a CMT if I didn't also suggest pectoralis stretches. Here is a great link for stretching. But I digress...

To have a truly ergonomic workstation, each person should be visited by a certified ergonomics professional who then takes measurements and customizes the workstation to the individual's specifications. Obviously this is not an option at a public computer terminal. However, if the stations are adjustable, and if there is some kind of education (a poster, maybe?) on how to properly adjust them, I think universal ergonomics for libraries is a distinct possibility.