On Wed, 25 Apr 2001, David Singleton wrote:
> We are looking for a way in which we can have some dedicated
> 'machines', in the library and connected to the network which can be
> used anonymously and only have access to our TALIS web opac pages i.e.
> screens that can be switched on and if necessary logged on by library
> staff at opening time and then just be available throughout the day
> for users to access the catalogue without having to log in themselves.
> (If they can be prevented from logging off or rebooting if they do,
> that would be an added bonus!!)
>
> It has been suggested that there may be devices (not necessarily PCs)
> which will fulfill this function.
I know of three companies who supply different types of "thin
clients". I'll list the web-sites and the e-mail addresses for
contact. It would be worth e-mailing each one to explain the situation -
the web-sites are rather geared towards schools which is where the main
market for these devices is at the moment, though they would be ideal for
libraries also because of the tamper-proof way they are designed.
All have machines available with built-in Microsoft-free operating system
and web browser which would probably work fine with your TALIS system,
though if you gave them the URL of your web OPAC they would be able to
check for any incompatibilities. The machines can also be used with an NT
server to run Windows software in a secure manner, though it sounds as
though you do not need this feature for your purposes.
I do not have any experience of using them in libraries, having only seen
them at trade shows. One great advantage of these devices is the small
size compared with a PC, and the fact that they do not produce so much
heat or need a noisy fan! It can make quite a difference to a computer
room, I am told!
The contact details:
http://www.precedence.co.uk/ [log in to unmask]
http://www.microlynx.co.uk/ [log in to unmask]
http://www.cumana.demon.co.uk/ [log in to unmask]
Matthew Phillips
Assistant Librarian
Christ Church Library
Oxford
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