[12544] in Public-Access_Computer_Systems_Forum
Re: internet / computer / LOL networks in Public Libraries
daemon@ATHENA.MIT.EDU (zendog)
Tue Nov 3 20:19:17 1998
Date: Tue, 03 Nov 1998 16:58:14 -0500
From: zendog <zendog@incolsa.palni.edu>
In-Reply-To: <Pine.GSO.4.05.9810310857390.2473-100000@shell.clark.net>
To: PACS-L@LISTSERV.UH.EDU
Reply-To: zendog@incolsa.palni.edu
----------------------------Original message----------------------------
We were pretty interested in the NC about 2 years ago, but could find no
ideal application in a library.
For those unfamiliar, the NC is like a dumb terminal. It boots from a
server when you plug it into a network and gets software and storage from
the server. It differs from a dumb terminal in that it has its own
processor -- though not usually a floppy or hard disc of its own. At that
time it was no much cheaper than a PC but it was supposed to have much lower
maintenance costs -- both network and hardware maintenance costs.
We first dismissed it as a staff machine. It is not a personal computer.
Control of the NC is vested in system administrator not the operator. The
NC serves software selected by the system administrator. The savings did
not seem to be worth the loss of flexibility.
It might be a good solution for public Internet terminals -- where you want
to enforce standards and limit options. Unfortunately, there were competing
standards NC type standards. It was not clear which, if any, would
dominate. All things considered, it seemed that adding yet another
technology would cost more than it would save. If you had a sea of
accountants all using the same software, or dozens of clerks all writing
letters using a single filing system and word processing software, the NC
would be a very attractive solution.
We would certainly like to hear if the situation has changes recently.
*********************************************************
Millard Johnson -- INCOLSA -- http://incolsa.palni.edu
Zendog@incolsa.palni.edu
I would rather risk failure than achieve it without risk.
*********************************************************
-----Original Message-----
From: Public-Access Computer Systems Forum [mailto:PACS-L@LISTSERV.UH.EDU]
On Behalf Of mgilmore
Sent: Monday, November 02, 1998 5:51 PM
To: PACS-L@LISTSERV.UH.EDU
Subject: internet / computer / LOL networks in Public Libraries
----------------------------Original message----------------------------
Has anyone assessed usage of networked computers in their libraries
(public libraries specifically)?
Specifically what are people doing--
word processing,
internet access generally,
searching resources to which the library subscribes
(such as periodical databases)......?
If so, are people using this information to plan--
services,
websites/website design,
budgets,
technology/computers,
policy?
Can we do that assessment--can we ask those questions?
Since this is a rather broad set of questions I was hoping I could
get some feedback/suggestions/citations before I plunge into
LISA and Lib. Lit.
Thank you...
Matthew Gilmore
__________________________________________________________
mgilmore@clark.net
D.C. Public Library http://dclibrary.org
Washingtoniana Division and the Washington Star Collection
District of Columbia Newspaper Project
(202) 727-1213
"Celebrating the Bicentennial of the
District of Columbia, 1791-2002"
