Infopeople.org
2000-2008. Managed numerous projects including rolling out computer labs, and establishing and managing the webcast program. Developed and delivered workshops. Currently providing support as needed.

The new Cloudbook is an ultralight PC (2 lbs) with all open source software installed including Open Office which provides a very nice substitute to the oh so pricey Microsoft Office suite.

At a cost of only $399, this might be a very nice option for libraries thinking about making laptops available to their users.

Not only is the OS (gOS Rocket) and the applications Open Source (Mozilla Firefox, gMail, Meebo, Skype, Wikipedia, GIMP, Blogger, YouTube, Xing Movie Player, RythemBox, Faqly, Facebook and OpenOffice.org 2.3 (includes WRITER, IMPRESS, DRAW, CALC, BASE)), but the units are also based on an “ultra-low power design” and are “whisper quiet.”

I don’t know about you but all that matters. In fact, the quiet part is one of the most important features in my selfish book because the buzz, hum and gurgle of most computers drives me mad!

Though the Cloudbook sounds interesting, you may want to sit tight while people like Meredith Farkas work out the kinks for you. It sounds like it isn’t ready right out of the box for your library users but between the price, size, greenness and open sourceness…..it just might be the right fit down the road.

2004-2007.  Configured desktops for public use including setting up security, installing and configuring applications and establishing backup and cloning system. Providing ongoing support as needed.

santaclaracountylib.org
2006-2007. Assisted with the evaluation of the public access computing system and is now on contract to assist with migration to new platform and assisting with related IT projects as needed.

(slides)
Mini-demo at California Library Association 2006 Annual Conference, Sacramento, CA. November 12, 2006.

Fortres has created the Clean Slate Snap-In for use with your free Microsoft Shared Computer Toolkit.

It provides an interface to make registry changes and modifications for different user profiles and it wipes out any changes made by users at reboot so you can give your users plenty of lattitude on your public PC.

The tool replaces the disk protection features that comes with the Toolkit and eliminates the need for disk partitioning. Nice.

Most of the configuration changes can be made without requiring a reboot and Windows Critical Updates and virus updates are allowed through automatically making it unnecessary to leave computers on overnight.

Educational pricing looks pretty reasonable. One license is $59 but to put it on all the computers in your library (one building), the education pricing is $325 for 15 CPUs, $570/100, or $685/unlimited.

Multipurpose public access computers in public libraries are often used by patrons who can’t afford a computer and/or Internet access, who need help using computers, who wish to gain experience with computers and business software, or who are away from home and need to use a computer or the Internet for business or school. Internet-only, or Express computers provide a useful service, they do not address the full range of needs facing public library patrons.

Because the public access computer is the only computer available for many people, it is important that the computer provides an interface that closely resembles a PC that the user is likely to encounter in a new job, at school or at a friend’s home. To help address the digital divide, the library computer should not be so different from a normal PC that the user is unable to translate their experience on the library’s computer to other computing environments.

Library multipurpose computers are used by many patrons to apply for jobs, look up information about medical conditions, download government forms and do homework, conduct research. Therefore, it is important that library computers provide programs users most often need including word processing software for writing resumes and doing homework and Adobe Acrobat Reader for viewing and printing forms. Other productivity applications such as Excel and Powerpoint are important for business users and students.

Multipurpose computer users should be able to save files to the computer and to a removable drive such as a USB device or floppy. User should also be able to print and email files from the computer, use web-based email programs, search websites, and view state-of-the-art web pages.

Library use of Internet filters should be transparent and manageable. Patrons should be told that a filter is in place and how to turn it off or bypass it (some library policies require staff to assist patrons with this process). Patrons should be told when websites have been blocked and keyword blocking should never be used because it results in over blocking.

Library computers are increasing in importance to both libraries and patrons. The popularity of public access computers has played a part in increases in library use. Recognizing and supporting the broad range of services associated with the use of public computers is important to the future of public libraries.

Use this link to download a copy of this post which includes software and configuration recommendations.

Imagine a world where patrons could save their bookmarks and the data they provide on online forms would be pre-filled the next time they were asked for that data….where passwords they’d set up on websites would be remembered for them….just like our home PCs! And now imagine that there was a way to do this that was completely secure, portable and affordable. Well, that’s my take on the AxisCard.

It’s a cool new product from Offshoot Systems. I’ve met Mr. Offshoot Systems and he’s a fine upstanding citizen looking to make a contribution to the library world. He gave me a demo of the card here at my local Starbucks/Hot Spot. It’s pretty slick and it made me wish everyone had them in their libraries (and any other place offering public access computers).

And there’s another aspect to the card that has me intrigued…you see, there’s an opportunity here for libraries to painlessly generate revenue from these cards if we combine the Shop for The Library concept in with these cards. Here’s how it would work.

When the patron sits down at your PAC and slips in their customized AxisCard (with your library’s “skin” or branding), a special toolbar pops up that contains their bookmarks, perhaps a special set of bookmarks you’ve provided and a QuickLink bar. This QuickLink bar is a small, inconspicuous set of shortcuts to shopping sites like Ebay, Amazon.com, Smith&Hawkin, Petaluma Feed & Grain…you know, places everyone visits all the time. Anyway, it’s just a feature that is built into the cards that maybe you wouldn’t even pay attention to if you didn’t care.

BUT, imagine if everytime a patron used the quicklaunch bar to visit ebay, you got a kickback from ebay?! That’s how the Shop for Your Library thing works. It doesn’t cost anything extra to the patrons but the library benefits from their shopping spree. I don’t know…is this wrong? Seems like a clever idea to me. Now if I could just get someone to try it!