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Open Source CD Lending For Public Libraries?
phatlipmojo writes "Bob Kerr has taken what might well be an important step in getting open source software to the masses: donating CDs to public libraries for lending. It's a simple idea, but fraught with complications; indeed, at first, he couldn't give the CDs away to the wary libraries. Mr. Kerr dealt with the complications admirably, and has had a great deal of success getting open source CDs into lending libraries around his home country, as Mr. Kerr's howto PDF and this NewsForge article detail. What kinds of suggestions would Slashdotters make in addition to Mr. Kerr's to help make open source software on public library shelves a widespread reality?"
Create an Event out of it.
... now you're talking!
Encourage people to bring their PCs and have them installed/configured with various FOSS stuff like OOorg.
Combine this with a programme to train young people in IT and you have your enthusiastic staff.
Use the library as the place where these two meet.
Turn it into a para-religious experience: "Born Again Penguins", as people dip the parasite-ridden carcinogenic carcasses of their old WinXP boxes into the holy water of Linux and come back home with a brand new box.
Mix it with booze and music.
Move it from the library to a spacious converted warehouse.
Add a coffee bar and wireless hotspot.
Ceci n'est pas une signature
OSS, the next AOL. :\
The surprise isn't how often we make bad choices; the surprise is how seldom they defeat us.
I live in a small town with ~21.000 peoples in it. We have one public library, and I work there in my spare time (4 hours a weak). :P
Anyway, I'll see what I can do. What software would you suggest?
I thought about Open Office, but it sucks to set up for danish support (my native language). What else would be appealing?
A full Linux distrubtion like Mandrake?
A live CD?
Some games?
I guess it's time to add some trojans to CD's and give them to the library.
for that kinky library sex, i assume?
Stalker-tastic!
I think your cloak came from the guy who makes clothes for the emperor.