Thank you for your interesting comments. I also stand corrected on the costs of maintenance in the upkeep of books.
I also believe I have an understanding of the reasons that some of the policies that you talk about have been put in place. These have been formed after much discussion but also in a time when there was no viable choice. Taking OpenOffice.org as an example, was only released very recently. This now gives a new choice and some policies may need to be looked at once more.
You bring up a very valid point about the frequency that Open Source software is released. This makes it impossible for Libraries to keep up with the latest versions. With 30 % of the population still using Windows 98, another 30 % using Windows 2000 having a release of an Open Source Operating system on a yearly basis does start having a valid ring to it because it is more up-to-date than 60 % of what the general population have now. My recommendation would be that only major or yearly releases are worth your consideration to stock.
When I started this project, I was very clear in my mind that I never had any intention to have any Free software/Open source software installed on Library computers. It is an hugely expensive and difficult process. Only programs that fit and solve the needs of Libraries should be used. By donating these CD to libraries I am doing the same thing for members of the public. Most people use their home computers for emails, writing letters, a little drawing, home finance etc. I would really like to hear your opinion on TheOpenCD. This is a Compilation of Free software for use on Windows to see if you think it is appropriate.
The most advance users would like to be able to study how software works and these are the people that are going to be your technicians tommorow. If you give them the opportunity to study this today it could help you a great deal in the future. (note: some Linux distributions are getting very easy to install now, A good example would be ArkLinux. where you put in your name and then play tetris)
As I said in my article, I welcome the donations given by the Bill and Melinda Gates foundation. I hope that you will welcome other donations. If the fundamental unbiased nature of free choice of information without judgement is lost in libraries then it will be a sad day indeed. How are members of the public able to interact with these computers.
The governments of China,Germany, India, Taiwan, Australia, the countries of South America are actively promoting Free software is this not important for the public to know about and try for themselves ?.
The discussion concerning Free software/Open source software can go in endless directions very quickly. The only thing that I really want to say to librarians in general is that The free software/ Open source communities would like to say we have information we would like to share with you.
I think that the only question that actually needs answered is are libraries willing to consider offering free information on CDs just like they do with Photocopies and paper.
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Re:Words from a Librarian
Posted by: Bob on December 16, 2003 10:26 AMI also believe I have an understanding of the reasons that some of the policies that you talk about have been put in place. These have been formed after much discussion but also in a time when there was no viable choice. Taking OpenOffice.org as an example, was only released very recently. This now gives a new choice and some policies may need to be looked at once more.
You bring up a very valid point about the frequency that Open Source software is released. This makes it impossible for Libraries to keep up with the latest versions. With 30 % of the population still using Windows 98, another 30 % using Windows 2000 having a release of an Open Source Operating system on a yearly basis does start having a valid ring to it because it is more up-to-date than 60 % of what the general population have now. My recommendation would be that only major or yearly releases are worth your consideration to stock.
When I started this project, I was very clear in my mind that I never had any intention to have any Free software/Open source software installed on Library computers. It is an hugely expensive and difficult process. Only programs that fit and solve the needs of Libraries should be used. By donating these CD to libraries I am doing the same thing for members of the public. Most people use their home computers for emails, writing letters, a little drawing, home finance etc. I would really like to hear your opinion on TheOpenCD. This is a Compilation of Free software for use on Windows to see if you think it is appropriate.
The most advance users would like to be able to study how software works and these are the people that are going to be your technicians tommorow. If you give them the opportunity to study this today it could help you a great deal in the future. (note: some Linux distributions are getting very easy to install now, A good example would be ArkLinux. where you put in your name and then play tetris)
As I said in my article, I welcome the donations given by the Bill and Melinda Gates foundation. I hope that you will welcome other donations. If the fundamental unbiased nature of free choice of information without judgement is lost in libraries then it will be a sad day indeed. How are members of the public able to interact with these computers.
The governments of China,Germany, India, Taiwan, Australia, the countries of South America are actively promoting Free software is this not important for the public to know about and try for themselves ?.
The discussion concerning Free software/Open source software can go in endless directions very quickly. The only thing that I really want to say to librarians in general is that The free software/ Open source communities would like to say we have information we would like to share with you.
I think that the only question that actually needs answered is are libraries willing to consider offering free information on CDs just like they do with Photocopies and paper.
Cheers
Bob
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