Helping public library patrons with telnet

[TMGB]

I suggest that you have your web master investigate using a java telnet. This
eleviates the need of any tutorial, instructions, or even a client needing a
telnet program altogether.  You can check out Princeton's Library java telnet
one of which is at:
http://library.Princeton.EDU/databases/data_lib_java.html
The home page for the java telnet is at
http://www.first.gmd.de/persons/leo/java/Telnet/
The java telnet package needs to be on the same server that is being telnet to
unless you use the additional java proxy package.

Thomas

Sherie Brown wrote:

> I have been watching posts on this list for months, and find you all so
> able and willing to help each other, I'm hoping someone who's "been there"
> already can give me a hand.
>
> Our online catalog just became accessible through our website, and patrons
> are calling for help because they don't have telnet on their home PC, or
> have managed to download telnet but haven't configured their browser to
> find it, or are using AOL and can't find telnet, etc etc.
>
> Have any of you developed a simple tutorial for these people, or links to
> them?  I have seen some that I find understandable, but imagine you have
> never heard the term "telnet" and don't know what I mean by "browser
> options?"  We do not have a Sys Op, and  these questions
> come to the Reference Desk.  Just how much "tech support" do we give and
> have time to help other patrons?  Yet, we want these people to be able to
> access the catalog without frustration.
>
> I'm sure some of you crossed this hurdle years ago...help!
>
> ****************************************************************************
> Sherie Brown
> Head of Reference Services
> Massillon Public Library



--
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Thomas McMillan Grant Bennett           Appalachian State University
Computer Consultant II                  University Library
bennettt at am.appstate.edu                http://www.library.appstate.edu/admin/
Voice:  704 262 2795
FAX:    704 262 3001

In librarianship--as elsewhere--the quality of service is not measured by
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