Just chiming in here. I can see valid points to all arguments. It is true that libraries are not *required* to accept Federal funding (although it makes life a lot easier for the library administrator to be "guaranteed" a reliable source of income each year via E-rate funding), the possible lost of that income will force many libraries to install inadequate filters (which will be paid for out of local funds, not Federal funds - the "unfunded mandate" mentioned). Libraries in PA are historically "free" (thank you Ben Franklin!), though many have instituted fees for some non-traditional library services (such as inter-library loan). Librarians, who are, for the most part, exceptionally service-oriented people, are offended (some may say rightfully) when asked to curtail or charge for the service that they have happily been providing for free. To them, it's all about making the patron (the end-user) happy and satisfied when he/she walks out the door. The ability to supply what the patron needs/wants is paramount in good library service. CIPA will require all computers in a public library that receives Federal funds be filtered. The current crop of filtering software is barely adequate for the job. (any programmers or software engineers out there, here's your chance - write it well, and they will come!) Libraries will be forced to commit precious resources to purchase/license and maintain those filters, taking those resources away from other vital services, such as electricity, water, heat, air conditioning. I agree that it is the responsibility of every community to support its local library, but many communities are disadvantaged and rely on state/Federal support to help with library service. I can just imagine if the library had to close and all 55,000 library users were to arrive at Barnes and Noble to read their favorite books. I doubt very much that B&N would allow them through the door.
Many public libraries have state-wide subscriptions to online databases, i.e. electronic periodicals, with use restricted to registered borrowers only. Example: http://l2l.org/library/power.htm
Thank you for your suggestions. Using Linux at the server level is certainly a possible solution, and will definitely reduce licensing costs, since a large chunk of the fees are at the server level. Of course, it would mean a great deal of re-training for me, since I am fully responsible for the servers, and have been using Microsoft products for the last 18 years. Of course, that does not answer my initial question of the "nurturing" instinct, and would using Linux allow me to have the same experience as with Windows?
Thanks for your comments. I wish to explain that company policy prohibits any staff person from installing any non-authorized software on company hardware (can lead to dismissal); staff uses only applications which apply directly to their tasks. Also, staff are not permitted to take work home with them or work from home, any removable disks (Floppy or ZIP) brought into the office are scanned prior to use in any company hardware. The laptops are "signed out" and "signed in" and checked prior to and immediately after being used outside of the company. And I have inventoried and documented all software, and have available all proper license agreements. Perhaps using a Linux for servers while retaining the Windows clients will resolve some of the cost issues, and allow the control required.
I would like to apologize for any misunderstanding. The NT4 servers do not really "need" a daily re-boot, but I, as manager, "feel the need" to re-boot regularly (my perception). A bit of paranoia on my part. All 6 servers have the latest service packs and patches installed and nobody has been "screwing around with it", they wouldn't dare! None of the staff in the organization would be so presumptive as to usurp my authority concerning the equipment in the server room. Perhaps I'm a "tin-pot dictator", but I prefer the ability to control my little dictatorship. Would Linux allow me the same "queenship" that I experience now? It certainly gives me something to think about. Thanks for your input.
Hey, I have to work today and I'm in the U.S.A. Course, I'm all alone, so I can use all the bandwidth for myself, for really important things (like downloading gigs of pr0n and mp3s) and not have all those Word docs and Excel spreadsheets clogging up the network.
I beg to differ, there are many females reading and posting on/. We make comments only where we have something interesting to contribute to the discussion. Because our comments are fewer, it appears that we are non-existant, but assuredly, we exist and will rule. Or maybe we just all post AC to drive everyone crazy.
Actually seagull doesn't taste too bad, if it is prepared correctly, plenty of seasonings. I just have a difficult time catching them, cause they fly away.
Bravo! A responsible and caring parent. As a public library employee, I see plenty of kids who are dropped off at the library and expected to complete homework assignments. The parents, meanwhile, are running errands or attending meetings, or just taking a break from the children (let someone else deal with them for a while!). Public libraries are expected to provide service from the "cradle to the grave" and as each new technology has developed, the library is also expected to provide that service, but not discontinue any of the existing services. Doing all this with little or no increase in funding or increase in staff to provide the service. More parents who care about their children and provide guidance in all aspects of life, including use of the Internet, is really what is needed, not software that is still ineffective.
You are perfectly correct in your statement that it is the local community that is responsible for the for the local public schools and public libraries, not the federal government. The public schools and public libraries provide a service to the community, so the local taxpayers should dictate what is acceptable behavior and what should or should not be regulated. No matter what party is currently "in power", the real decision-making is made at the local level, because those politicians have to live beside their neighbors, and be able to justify their decisions, good or bad; or they are out of office.
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Just chiming in here. I can see valid points to all arguments. It is true that libraries are not *required* to accept Federal funding (although it makes life a lot easier for the library administrator to be "guaranteed" a reliable source of income each year via E-rate funding), the possible lost of that income will force many libraries to install inadequate filters (which will be paid for out of local funds, not Federal funds - the "unfunded mandate" mentioned). Libraries in PA are historically "free" (thank you Ben Franklin!), though many have instituted fees for some non-traditional library services (such as inter-library loan). Librarians, who are, for the most part, exceptionally service-oriented people, are offended (some may say rightfully) when asked to curtail or charge for the service that they have happily been providing for free. To them, it's all about making the patron (the end-user) happy and satisfied when he/she walks out the door. The ability to supply what the patron needs/wants is paramount in good library service. CIPA will require all computers in a public library that receives Federal funds be filtered. The current crop of filtering software is barely adequate for the job. (any programmers or software engineers out there, here's your chance - write it well, and they will come!) Libraries will be forced to commit precious resources to purchase/license and maintain those filters, taking those resources away from other vital services, such as electricity, water, heat, air conditioning.
I agree that it is the responsibility of every community to support its local library, but many communities are disadvantaged and rely on state/Federal support to help with library service.
I can just imagine if the library had to close and all 55,000 library users were to arrive at Barnes and Noble to read their favorite books. I doubt very much that B&N would allow them through the door.
Many public libraries have state-wide subscriptions to online databases, i.e. electronic periodicals, with use restricted to registered borrowers only. Example: http://l2l.org/library/power.htm
check out http://www.half.com for a list of copies available
Thank you for your suggestions. Using Linux at the server level is certainly a possible solution, and will definitely reduce licensing costs, since a large chunk of the fees are at the server level. Of course, it would mean a great deal of re-training for me, since I am fully responsible for the servers, and have been using Microsoft products for the last 18 years. Of course, that does not answer my initial question of the "nurturing" instinct, and would using Linux allow me to have the same experience as with Windows?
Thanks for your comments. I wish to explain that company policy prohibits any staff person from installing any non-authorized software on company hardware (can lead to dismissal); staff uses only applications which apply directly to their tasks. Also, staff are not permitted to take work home with them or work from home, any removable disks (Floppy or ZIP) brought into the office are scanned prior to use in any company hardware. The laptops are "signed out" and "signed in" and checked prior to and immediately after being used outside of the company. And I have inventoried and documented all software, and have available all proper license agreements. Perhaps using a Linux for servers while retaining the Windows clients will resolve some of the cost issues, and allow the control required.
I would like to apologize for any misunderstanding. The NT4 servers do not really "need" a daily re-boot, but I, as manager, "feel the need" to re-boot regularly (my perception). A bit of paranoia on my part. All 6 servers have the latest service packs and patches installed and nobody has been "screwing around with it", they wouldn't dare! None of the staff in the organization would be so presumptive as to usurp my authority concerning the equipment in the server room. Perhaps I'm a "tin-pot dictator", but I prefer the ability to control my little dictatorship. Would Linux allow me the same "queenship" that I experience now? It certainly gives me something to think about. Thanks for your input.
check out www.half.com, a ebay company for more used books
Hey, I have to work today and I'm in the U.S.A. Course, I'm all alone, so I can use all the bandwidth for myself, for really important things (like downloading gigs of pr0n and mp3s) and not have all those Word docs and Excel spreadsheets clogging up the network.
I beg to differ, there are many females reading and posting on /. We make comments only where we have something interesting to contribute to the discussion. Because our comments are fewer, it appears that we are non-existant, but assuredly, we exist and will rule. Or maybe we just all post AC to drive everyone crazy.
Actually seagull doesn't taste too bad, if it is prepared correctly, plenty of seasonings. I just have a difficult time catching them, cause they fly away.
Bravo! A responsible and caring parent. As a public library employee, I see plenty of kids who are dropped off at the library and expected to complete homework assignments. The parents, meanwhile, are running errands or attending meetings, or just taking a break from the children (let someone else deal with them for a while!). Public libraries are expected to provide service from the "cradle to the grave" and as each new technology has developed, the library is also expected to provide that service, but not discontinue any of the existing services. Doing all this with little or no increase in funding or increase in staff to provide the service. More parents who care about their children and provide guidance in all aspects of life, including use of the Internet, is really what is needed, not software that is still ineffective.
You are perfectly correct in your statement that it is the local community that is responsible for the for the local public schools and public libraries, not the federal government. The public schools and public libraries provide a service to the community, so the local taxpayers should dictate what is acceptable behavior and what should or should not be regulated. No matter what party is currently "in power", the real decision-making is made at the local level, because those politicians have to live beside their neighbors, and be able to justify their decisions, good or bad; or they are out of office.