[692] in Public-Access_Computer_Systems_Forum
Librarians and the Internet
daemon@ATHENA.MIT.EDU (Public-Access Computer Systems For)
Wed Jul 8 09:27:56 1992
Date: Wed, 8 Jul 1992 08:23:56 CDT
Reply-To: Public-Access Computer Systems Forum <PACS-L%UHUPVM1.BITNET@ricevm1.rice.edu>
From: Public-Access Computer Systems Forum <LIBPACS%UHUPVM1.BITNET@ricevm1.rice.edu>
To: Multiple recipients of list PACS-L <PACS-L%UHUPVM1.BITNET@ricevm1.rice.edu>
4 Messages, 128 Lines
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From: bzs@world.std.com (Barry Shein)
Subject: Librarians and the INTERNET
Re: Moaning About Getting Public Schools on the Internet
Recently I was called by someone from the Boston School Dept who
wanted to know how they could access the Internet. We run a public
access dial-up system in Brookline (essentially Boston, world.std.com)
with high-speed (T1) connections to the internet (telnet, e-mail,
usenet, ftp, etc). He said he wanted, for now, just one login per
school district, ten school districts, how much would it cost?
I thought about it for a few minutes and told him I'd provide him with
10 logins, one per district, with a total of 100 hours login time
included for $100/month ($10/month/district), $1/hour thereafter. This
is about half my regular rate.
We're a local call from anywhere in Boston, and all they need to
hookup is a PC, Mac (any personal computer) or even a dumb terminal
(tho I'd recommend a computer with a hard disk so things like free
books and other materials can be downloaded), a modem (most any modem
is fine, I'd recommend at least a 2400/MNP5, those are about $100),
and a plain old telephone line (and some sort of terminal emulator
software, but those can be had for free, or $50/copy for professional
versions.)
So, that's essentially "lifeline" access to the internet for the
entire Boston school system (albeit a somewhat centralized subset) for
$100/month. $1/hour thereafter if they should manage, collectively, to
use more than 100 hours per month (and I can break out on a monthly
invoice which district/login used what.) And they can even call here
for technical questions or send e-mail to staff.
And that could be scaled larger if needed.
And I'm a private, for-profit business. Sometimes we're better then
the govt at some things. Somehow I doubt that all this brouhaha is
about getting $10/month/district in support. Their computer management
overhead would be essentially zero, since we do that.
Admittedly it's not the highest level of access, but they could have
it in ten minutes with essentially no paperwork other than whatever it
takes to approve $100/mo. And it might just be enough to help hone
arguments about why they think someone should fund more activity, with
or without my service.
(Unfortunately I never took the gentleman's name down, he was supposed
to get back to me, he never got back to me but I figure it's summer
and they're not in a rush.)
P.S. I would recommend to people on other lists Michael Hart's message
I am responding to wherein he details how Gutenberg plans to make vast
numbers of on-line books and texts available for free. As founder and
chief troublemaker of the Online Book Initiative I'll second that
intention with whatever we can (and do) contribute.
-Barry Shein
Software Tool & Die | bzs@world.std.com | uunet!world!bzs
Purveyors to the Trade | Voice: 617-739-0202 | Login: 617-739-WRLD
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From: "Harry M. Kriz" <KRIZ@VTVM1>
Subject: Re: Librarians and the Internet
I'm intrigued by the use of phrases such as
"They won't learn..."
"They don't realize..."
"They aren't taking advantage..."
"They worry about..."
in this discussion of librarians and the internet. There seems
to be a lot of negative attitudes about librarians' adaptation
to new tools.
We are seeing evidence of poor management and administration
in libraries, with the librarians being blamed for the consequences.
Let's remember that it is the manager and administrator who is
responsible for creating the conditions which make it possible
for librarians to do their jobs. Creating those conditions means
1. Demonstrating the value of new tools through use by
managers and administrators who can describe the use of the
tools and their deficiencies through personal experience
2. Providing training opportunities for librarians
3. Rewarding the development and adaptation of the tools
in the provision of services to library clientele
If some group of librarians have a bad attitude toward the developing
tools of the trade, then look for a problem in the administrative
and managerial offices. Creation of a supportive environment is
the fundamental requirement for implementing internal changes and
adapting to external changes.
Harry M. Kriz KRIZ@VTVM1.CC.VT.EDU PHONE: (703)231-7052
Automation Librarian University Libraries
Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University
Blacksburg, VA, 24061-0434
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From: BURNET@ZODIAC.BITNET
Subject: Re: Librarians and the Internet
I would agree with Lee Jaffee that he foregrounded the negative reaction
of some librarians to the opportunities presented by the Internet a bit
too much. I was unable to attend ALA, but came away from the ASIS mid-year
conference in May with almost precisely the opposite impression. I met
with a large number of school, public and special librarians who came
to the conference interested and skeptical and left converts. Some I have
corresponded with subsequently have "joined up" and are eagerly converting
their colleagues--with little resistance, I might add. Enthusiasm is
contagious, and when the enthusiast is someone you know and trust in a
position similar to your own, it is difficult to resist the bug.
Kathleen Burnett
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From: tagtmeyr@LEMOYNE.BITNET
Subject: RE: Librarians and the Internet
Drinking from a firehose make be intimidating to those who hang around a
water cooler, but it is just one behavior for thosse who dance around a fire
hydrant.
Peter Tagtmeyer
