Browser designed for libraries?

[David Vaughan]

I suspect that an approach by an enthusiastic, interested group of
librarians to one of the smaller browser developers (like the creators
of Opera) might get us somewhere.  They are probably making money, but
hardly qualify as monopolistic monsters unconcerned with tiny fringe
groups like librarians :).

Your list of features is pretty complete.  I would say that good
documentation of all features (esp. the kiosk and security modes)
coupled with readily available tech. support (by Internet and/or phone)
would be another important feature.  As much as I hate to bring in
another thread here, there would probably also be demand for some kind
of plugin architecture to easily incorporate filtering. I'm not a
filtering advocate, but recognize that some libraries are choosing to
filter and this would be a chance to develop an integrated, manageable
solution to both browser and filtering problems.

David

>-----Original Message-----
>From:	Bill Drew [SMTP:drewwe at morrisville.edu]
>Sent:	Monday, July 21, 1997 11:57 AM
>To:	Multiple recipients of list
>Subject:	Browser designed for libraries?
>
>After seeing Dan's messages about how small a market libraries actually
>are for Netscape and Microsoft,  it occured to me perhaps libraries
>should be approaching a company to desgin a browser just for use by
>libraries.  Here is what I would like to see in such a browser:
>
>1. built in telnet/tn3270 with full VT compatability (remember Cello?)
>2. built in WAIS, gopher support
>3. Java/Active X support
>4. Separate browser from e-mail.
>5. available on all platforms
>6. Built in Z39.50 support to do away with need for intermediary Z39.50
>to web client.
>7. Low space/memory needs.
>8. Full multimedia support without plugins.
>9. fully configurable with password protection of configuration.
>10. Powerful kiosk mode.
>
>Now, how would we get such a tool developed without going to Netscape,
>Microsoft, or anyone else making any money?
>--
>Wilfred Drew (Call me "Bill"); Associate Librarian (Systems, Reference)
>SUNY College of Ag. & Tech.;   P.O. Box 902;  Morrisville, NY 13408-0902
>E-mail: DREWWE at MORRISVILLE.EDU powwow:drewwe at wedrew.lib.morrisville.edu
>Phone: (315)684-6055 or 684-6060 Fax: (315)684-6115
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