[WEB4LIB] abandon library computer labs for laptop check-out system? (fwd)

[TMGB]

  This is not a Lab case but, we are in the process now of testing a
wireless network to use IBM ThinkPads for patrons to check out for use
in the library.  This is a choice the library has made, I'm only doing
the testing.  Another team in the library will be in charge of
determining policy and procedure.  That team will also be responsible
for worrying about theft.  There is talk of bar coding the card and the
notebook each for III circulation and the patron will also have to sign
some type of contract for responsibility of the notebook.

  The notebooks login to my NT server which will update the policy for
"roaming patrons".  We have had very good success with PCs logging into
an NT server, picking up the policy there, and the policy instructs the
PC to get the profile from the Novell server.  The login has to be a
valid login or the user can't get to the desktop even by hitting
cancel.  If somehow the user does get to the desktop, the default policy
gives no access to anything.  In my library this has been quite
successful.  I've only found a few PCs, since January 98, that needed
any attention and it was minor.  

  I will probably be using Window Washer to delete all tracks of the
previous user's history on that PC.  Window Washer appears to have more
capabilities than tweak for clearing history. I have someone looking at
an eval copy of window washer right now.

http://www.webroot.com/washer.htm

Another way to maintain the notebooks which we haven't discussed here
yet would be to use one of the programs which allows you to load a disk
image back on the hard drive each time it is check back in. This may be
a inconvenience but you can guarantee the settings are correct for the
next user.

Alisa, when decisions have been made about policy and procedure I will
send those to you and to the WEB4LIB list for those who are interested.  

A final note on the wireless system, I'm testing the Cabletron Systems
RoamAbout Wireless LANs SmartSWITCH.  This system "Utilizes spread
spectrum direct sequence technology in the 2.4 GHz band that travels
through walls, ceilings, and floors".  I positioned the base unit on the
first floor and I was still surfing the web two floors above and about
30 feet away from where the unit would be if it were sent straight up to
that floor.  Although, I was down to almost 0 Signal to Noise Ratio on
the client diagnostic utility at that point but when you go out of range
and then back in range there is no interruption of service.

Thomas

PS.  I am using Netscape Messenger and I chose Reply All from the menu. 
Respecting Roy's request not to reply to him, I copied Alisa's address
and then pasted it over Roy's where it showed up in the To: line by
default.  I am also using an MS Mouse with the scroll wheel feature. 
While editing my reply, I scrolled up and Messenger automatically
replaced Alisa's address back with Roy's.  I pasted it over again and
each time I use the scroll button it replaced it back with the default,
Roy's.  I finally had to start a new message and copy everything over to
the new message because I did not know if it would change the To: back
to Roy when I send it.  Does anybody have any information on this
"feature" of Messenger?




Roy Tennant wrote:
> 
> Forwarded on behalf of Alisa Whitt <whitta at cofc.edu>, please do not
> respond to me. Thanks,
> Roy
> 
> ---------- Forwarded message ----------
> Date: Fri, 19 Mar 1999 16:08:01 -0500
> From: Alisa Whitt <whitta at cofc.edu>
> Subject: abandon library computer labs for laptop check-out system?
> 
> Please pardon cross-posting.  I am not a member of this list so please send
> replies directly to me.
> 
> Here at the College of Charleston (S.C.), we are planning a new library
> building for 2001/2002. As planned, every seat in the building will be wired
> to accommodate patrons and their portable computers.  Initially we planned
> to build traditional computer labs to accommodate 120 - 150 students; this
> is basically what we have now and the lab is always full.
> 
> We are considering eliminating or drastically reducing the size of this lab
> by offering laptops to "card carrying" patrons for check-out.  Has anyone
> tried this?  What were the results?  What did you do about maintaining the
> laptops?  Checking them out?  Security?
> 
> Thanks in advance for any observations or ideas you can offer.  Again,
> please reply directly to me.
> 
> Alis
> --
> Alisa Whitt                    Academic Computing Specialist Coordinator
> (843) 953-7998 voice           College of Charleston, SC 29424
> (843) 953-2461 fax             whitta at cofc.edu

-- 
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Thomas McMillan Grant Bennett           Appalachian State University
Computer Consultant II                  University Library
bennettt at am.appstate.edu               
http://www.library.appstate.edu/admin/
Voice:  828 262 6587			FAX:    828 262 3001

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