Re: TECH: Library Automation

["Karen G. Schneider" <kgs@INTAC.COM>]

>     I have had one computer, a MAC with CD-ROM, in my middle school library
>for two years.  Suddenly we have a grant of $1200 to automate the library!
>Being used to the MAC and because we have a MAC lab, I would like to use a
>Power MAC and Alexandria for circulation/catalog.  Others feel an IBM with
>Follett software would be a better choice.  The high school uses Follett, and
>they reason that we will want to network with them eventually.  I would like
>to hear some advantages and disadvantages to both systems.  Slso any thoughts
>on schools being networked one to the other would be appreciated.  That's
>really not a big item on my agenda at present.  Should it be?
 
My thoughts are that I'm wondering how soon they plan to network and how
they plan to network the computers.  (I'm also wondering how you're going
to buy a Power Mac with $1200, but maybe you've also sold a whole lotta
cupcakes.)  What kind of network are they planning that precludes the Mac?
DOS-based?  Is it that they are hoping you will share bib records?  And if
so, why is it that the platform is so important?  I would think that being
able to access the MARC record is the real kicker.
 
Although I have drifted to the Mac--a wonderfully easy computer to use and
learn--I recommend Intel platforms when necessary ; I recently recommended
35 Pentiums for one organization!  But I don't get it; why is it necessary
that you use a PC to communicate with the school?  And once you
communicate, what info do they think is worth sharing?  Get them to clarify
their rationale, and then post that back to the list.  Just because they're
the High School doesn't make them smarter.  ;-)  (btw, anyone with real
experience here--I'd like to hear!)
 
 
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Karen G. Schneider, Blue Highways Internet Services   kgs@intac.com
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