[WEB4LIB] Re: browser and OS wars

[Paul Taylor]

That's a red herring. Reading a book about a Windows product doesn't transmit 
your credit card information or browsing habits to some corporate cybersnoop 
or government agency.

The point of my response was to highlight that there are real concerns for end 
users that go beyond simple functionality. If your library is willing to fund 
endless hours of sysadmin time to patch and configure, then more power to 
them. If the privacy of your users is of little concern to you, then go ahead 
and fully deploy MS on everything from PCs to doorbells to toasters. 

Additionally, and you may correct me if I am wrong, as I do not have a Library 
Science Degree, the fact that a library holds a certain book in its 
collection does not mean the library endorses its contents or point-of-view. 
And, actually, drive-up bookdrops don't encourage auto use. They encourage 
garbage dumping. :)

-Paul

> You could probably also not carry any Windows-related materials, while
> you're at it.  Talk about encouraging use of closed products.
>
> What's that?  You say that's what your community has a need for?  Well,
> it sure seems that they also have a need for the ability to use non-free
> systems in accessing your catalogs, but that's not a concern, apparently.
>
> Probably you shouldn't have drive-up book drops, either, since those
> encourage naughty automobiles, too.
>
> xoxo,
> Andy

-- 
Paul Taylor
Computer Coordinator
Salem-South Lyon District Library
9800 Pontiac Trail
South Lyon, MI 48178

248-437-6431 phone
248-437-6593 fax
http://south-lyon.lib.mi.us