Can anyone help with a couple of queries which have emerged here in
Sheffield in recent days?
1. Our main lending library has raised a question about the software
contained on CDs which often come with computer 'how to' guides. Sometimes
this can be real application software and not just complimentary information
to go with the text in the book. We are concerned about breaching software
licensing laws here as the software is clearly licensed to a single user and
we have not negotiated a 'lending licence' with the publishers of the
software. Does anyone have an approach to this issue? Have you arrange a
different licence, or simply removed the CDs? Any information would be much
appreciated.
2. In preparing to roll out our NOF PCs we have been looking at how we can
provide file storage space for the public. We would like to give people
access to temporary file store facilities so that if they wish they can save
files which may be larger than the capacity of a floppy disk. Our problem
is that without creating individual accounts for each user with a separate
log-in then the file store is essentially freely visible to any user in any
library. We have been told by out ICT supplier that there is a limit of
40,000 users when using an NT/Win 2000 system. This does sound a lot, but
it would only take 25% of our registered library users to request an account
for this limit to be reached. We could time limit the existence of the
accounts but we are looking for an approach with the minimum of maintenance
overhead as each additional maintenance task is likely to attract a charge
from our supplier. (we have an outsourced ICT contract)
Are there 3rd party software solutions to this type of issue in use by other
authorities? Again, any ideas would be gratefully received.
Many thanks in advance, and best wishes for the forthcoming Yule!
John Murphy
Group Manager, ICT Development
Sheffield Libraries, Archives & Information
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