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The Union Free Public Library, Union, CT (population ~700) is a very small library, so any technology improvements come out
of our general budget, and that is a very small one to begin with (a LOT less, including salaries, than most MLS librarians
normally make in a year!). We currently own three PCs, two for staff, one for the public. The oldest is about 8 years old;
we had retired it a few years back, but needed to have a second staff machine for volunteer data entry. It runs Win 95...
The machines are not networked, and only the two newer ones are connected to the Internet via dialup, which, when we're lucky
and there's no noise in the lines, yields a 28.8 k connection. Cable is prohibitively expensive since we're considered a
"business," and with only ten hours a week of operation and maybe one to two hours a week online, it's not feasible for us
to pay the outrageous amount they want.
Here are some of the strategies we use to cope, and suggest to others:
- Don't buy into the hype of owning the latest greatest (equipment, software, etc.); latest greatest brings costly bugs that
could grind your library's technology (individual PCs, network, etc.) to a screeching halt. Unless it's crucial for operation,
such as your circ program, wait a year or two before upgrading. Prices are usually reduced by then, and bugs will have been
ironed out (if it's a reputable vendor). We use Resourcemate (http://www.resourcemate.com/) for our circ programs, and LOVE it! They're reasonably priced, annual renewal fee for support is also very reasonable, and
they are responsive not only to tech support requests, but improvement suggestions as well; we've seen several we've suggested
being implemented. Not for large libraries, though.
- DO keep on top of the latest patches and security updates, and DO run up-to-date anti-virus software AND a firewall, such
as the highly rated ZoneAlarm Pro (http://www.zonelabs.com/); these are "insurance policies" we don't mind paying for. Let's face it, will all the bugs and malicious code out there,
you can't afford to get hit with a virus or have your machine hijacked. Also, download anti-spyware software, such as Spybot
Search & Destroy (free from many sources; http://www.fauna-art.net/spybotsd12.exe is one); run it weekly if you spend a fair amount of time online, especially on your patron computers. Security is one area
where you simply can't skimp
- Don't rely on everything Microsoft; see above. Libraries love MS for the company's generous donations (and rightfully so,
for the most part! The last time the grant came around our state, we, the smallest town in CT, did not qualify, because...well,
let's not look into some of their fallacious assumptions.) But don't let that generosity blind you to less expensive alternatives
to some programs and functionality. For example, when we purchased our newest machine a couple years ago, it came with the
WordPerfect Office suite, so we're using that instead of MS Office, which would have set us back a few hundred dollars.
- Educate yourself and/or staff member(s). There are many learning CDs and online resources available, some free or nearly so.
WebJunction offers some great basic information; CNET members have access to a variety of free online courses; and so on.
Having at least one staff member with good working knowledge of computers and how your network is set up (if you have one)
can save you a great deal of money. You'll know that when that staff member says it's time to call in an expert or to upgrade/replace
equipment, it's advice to be followed. I'm fairly computer-literate, having my own web development business, but that's somewhat
specialized knowledge so when there are hardware problems, I...
- Look to local "teen geeks" for help fixing our machines' ailments. Often, these savvy teens have more experience and expertise
and are available more quickly than so-called professionals, at a much lower cost.
- Equipment and PC parts fail at times or just aren't working as efficiently as a replacement could, and no matter how hard
we try, they need to be replaced. Both for my library and for my own internet business I've found the best deals on buy.com.
bizrate.com is good, but doesn't always have the best deals. Research individual product ratings on CNET and mysimon and similar
sites. Usually, just doing a search on a product will bring up loads of results. If you find a great deal, also research the
company before buying to make sure the company is reputable.
- If you buy a new computer system, insist on receiving original discs for the OS and all hardware drivers; many vendors now
supply a "restore CD", which formats your hard drive and returns the system to its original state--if you've upgraded any
hardware or drivers since you bought the machine, this CD often will not work. Some vendors charge a little extra for the
individual CDs, but this will save you a lot of headaches and possibly expenses if you ever have to reinstall a driver or
the OS.
- Apply for grants. This seems obvious, but many librarians are extremely busy, and grant opportunities are easily overlooked.
I know I fall into that category; our library is only open 10 hours a week – barely enough time to handle administrative and
general staff duties.
- But first and foremost: be creative. Just look around on the Net. At sites like http://www.download.com/ you can find many free and low cost programs.
Most libraries really don't need the latest, greatest. Use your hardware and software for as long as it does the job. If
performance becomes an issue, or security patches are no longer available, then it's time for an upgrade. Until then, enjoy
the luxury of a few extra dollars for books!
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