the hidden rock {dot} com » technology

Windows MultiPoint Server 2010 in Libraries

kasia — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 08:20:58 +0000

In the first half of next year, Microsoft will release a Windows MultiPoint Server 2010 — which is an operating system, like Windows Server or Windows 7. Except this operating system utilizes something called “shared resource computing” which enables multiple users to simultaneously use the same computer on individual accounts. You know how you can have multiple user accounts on your PC, one for your yourself, and for everyone else in the house? Well, with MultiPoint Server 2010 everyone in the house will be able to use their accounts at the same time, sharing one PC.

How is this possible? Here’s a 4 minute video that explains how Windows MultiPoint Server 2010 works.

MultiPoint Server 2010 for the Classroom

The MultiPoint Server was created with schools in mind, designed to provide a cost-effective solution for the classroom, thereby providing teachers and students with increased access to technology. Students will be more likely to develop their 21st century literacy and social media skills by having the access to a PC and the internet.

Teachers are also benefiting by being able to manage the computer system easily, since MultiPoint Server 2010 is designed for non-technical people.

How Libraries Can Take Advantage of MultiPoint Server 2010

But the new technology has potential for more than just the classroom. Libraries are perfect candidates for the MultiPoint Server.

By creating easy access and more opportunities for users to utilize computers and the internet, libraries can be better equipped to help their communities develop important technology skills.

Multipoint Server allows up to 10 users to use one PC simultaneously, each with his/her own monitor, keyboard and mouse — this is huge! I’m looking forward to seeing how libraries will be utilizing the MultiPoint Server 2010 when it comes out next year.

Effective Use of Technology in the Library — the Mobile Reference Desk

kasia — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 00:43:51 +0000

The use of technology in libraries fascinates me. You might have noticed this since I already blogged about cloud computing and virtualization — two technologies that will play a huge role in libraries in the upcoming years.

Today I want to talk about something a little different … something that’s happening in libraries right now.

The Apple store as a model for libraries?

The other day I was at the Apple store checking out Logic Studio (my boyfriend is a musician and his birthday is coming up). What I noticed, and I don’t know how I didn’t notice this before, is that Apple employees are not tied to the register or a customer service desk. They all have computers that they use wherever they are at the moment.

They don’t wait for customers to come to them for help — they come to the customers and help out on the spot.

What a novel idea — I thought! This would be so cool in the library!

A reference librarian wouldn’t have to be tied to the reference desk, she could go and help patrons wherever they are!

Who needs a desk anyway?

Apparently I wasn’t the first person to get a clue from the Apple store. The mobile reference desk is already being used in libraries across the country (can you believe it? how cool is this!) and as you might have guessed, librarians are already blogging about it.

Frederic County in Maryland has piloted a mobile reference service at one of their public libraries. And Melissa blogged about her experiences with the pilot in August last year. Here’s a shot quote from her post describing mobile reference and the pilot:

“Mobile reference is envisioned as a way to get librarians out in the library itself, rather than stationing them at a desk. In my library’s pilot project, seven librarians, myself included, spend three one-hour shifts a week performing mobile reference. We use ultra light mobile PCs and wireless communication badges to access library resources, ask other staff for assistance, and answer questions for patrons.”

An interesting thing that Melissa points out is that the new service has changed patrons’ attitude towards librarians. She says that patrons are now more likely to talk to librarians who are out on the floor “regardless of whether they’re assigned to the desk or to mobile reference at that time.”

Another advantage that the mobile reference has provided is the ability to help patrons who otherwise would never come to the reference desk or ask for help.

Melissa also notes that being involved in mobile reference has helped her be more aware of what’s going on in the library.

Helping patrons and librarians

It sounds to me like the mobile reference idea is a good thing for everyone involved.

Patrons benefit from librarians being available anywhere in the library, away from the reference desk, in places where they’re actually needed.

Librarians are able to utilize more of their skills and expertise, help more patrons, and feel more connected to what’s happening in the library.

I also believe that by being able to stay mobile librarians will have more opportunities to help patrons with real needs, instead of pointing out directions and fixing paper jams. I’ve never worked at a reference desk so I can’t be sure, but I do think that mobile reference will allow for more efficient service.

To be continued …

I contacted Melissa with questions about her experiences with the mobile reference pilot to find out how things were coming along and what her library has learned after utilizing the service for some time now. Here are a few questions that I asked:

Do you think that a mobile reference desk is more efficient than the traditional reference desk? Has it improved your service to patrons?

What are some of the pros and cons that you’ve found with using the mobile reference desk?

What do other librarians at your organization think about this new reference model after trying it out?

I’m still awaiting her response, but I will make sure to update this post when I do hear from her.

Stay tuned!

| originally posted on my classes.tametheweb.com blog |

Virtualization in libraries

kasia — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 05:40:18 +0000

Virtualization, like cloud computing, is not an easy idea to grasp. What makes it even more confusing is that the term is very broad and there are many different definitions and types of virtualization technologies out there.

The most basic idea behind virtualization, as defined by outervillage.com is:

“… a technique for hiding the physical characteristics of computing resources in a way in which other systems, applications, or end users interact with those resources.”

Wikipedia calls it the “abstraction of computer resources” and lists 4 main types of virtualization technologies:

Platform virtualization
Resource virtualization
Application virtualization
Desktop virtualization

Through the use of hypervisor technology a single physical machine can run multiple operating systems simultaneously. So that each new os that you install becomes its own virtual machine that runs on top of your first os.

This is different from a dual boot in that you don’t have to choose between the operating systems, you can run them and use them all at the same time.

Besides being very cool, virtualization has many benefits which can prove to be especially useful in a library setting. The best part is that the user sees no difference between a physical or a virtual machine, since it looks and feels the same.

But one of the biggest improvements comes through better resource utilization. Think about it, you can have 4 or 5 virtual machines running on a single box; so that librarians, library staff and even patrons who want to use Windows Vista, XP, Leopard or anything else can do so quickly and easily.

This also becomes an important improvement in flexibility of the hardware providing end users with their own personal desktop environments, and at the same time eliminating the need for retraining.

Another option is to have a data center centralize the virtual desktops so that they are easy to manage and make changes to. This might be a good solution for a library network or a large library, saving time for IT administrators and reducing inevitable downtime during updates, upgrades and such.

Although I didn’t find any information about libraries using virtualization, I think as the technology become more popular, libraries will be able to find good ways to utilize it.

If any of you do find any information or articles about virtualization in the library please let me know, I’d love to read about it.

Libraries in the cloud

kasia — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 04:38:14 +0000

I first heard of the term cloud computing about a year ago while reading an article that talked about using different cloud resources for data backups. I found the whole idea very interesting, but to be honest I didn’t think of the implications of this technology on libraries. In fact, I hadn’t given the cloud much more thought after that, until now.

I recently stumbled upon a few articles that discussed the possibilities of the cloud in libraries, as well as some concerns that librarians have with using the technology in a library setting. The Shifted Librarian points out that it’s not enough for librarians to teach patrons how to use cloud resources; we must also help them understand the possible consequences with utilizing the cloud. She suggests teaching patrons about:

The different cloud resource options and how to evaluate them

Backing up and synchronizing files on the cloud

Privacy and security issues that all users need to take into consideration before choosing to utilize cloud resources

Jen sums up by saying:

“We should see this for what it is – an expansion of our traditional role to teach people how to use information well, and we should lead, not just with good models, but with help understanding and dealing with the ramifications of all of this.”

These are some valid points and I don’t think they should be overlooked, especially since the cloud is not going to go away. Libraries adapt to the needs of the user, and as more companies move into the direction of the cloud so will everyone else.

Adding to what Jen had to say about security and privacy, I think it’s important to remember that, at least at the moment, the cloud might not be the best solution for all types of data. And this is something that users should keep in mind.

For some types of data the cloud is ideal, especially if it’s something you plan to share with others, like your photos, ideas, writings, recordings, etc (think Flickr, Twitter, blogs, podcasts). On the other hand, the things you don’t want to share with others, your personal records or information, is probably not meant to be stored on the cloud.

I do agree that making patrons aware of the ramifications of the cloud is extremely important however, I don’t think that this should be used as an excuse for not utilizing cloud resources in the library.