[OPLINTECH] iTunes/iPods on public computers

[Chad Neeper]

As always:
To stimulate discussion and benefit everyone, it's important that nearly 
all responses go to the list and not directly to the original poster. 
This post, especially, is beneficial to most libraries I expect.

At present, none of the libraries I support have a specific policy in 
place with regards to iPod/iTunes software and accounts. However, as a 
blanket policy, patrons are generally not permitted to install programs 
on the workstations. To that end, the patron machines are "locked down" 
with group policies and with Deep Freeze installed (for extra 
protection). At present none of the patron workstations currently have 
iPod/iTunes software installed.

However...I've been seeing a tide change over the last year or so (few 
years, even...). Completely locking down the patron desktops is becoming 
less sustainable and less desirable. In the interest of flexibility for 
the patrons, I'm even considering leaving the desktops generally open 
and relying on Deep Freeze for restoration to a known state.

I am open to the possibility of installing iTunes software, perhaps with 
a disclaimer displayed and letting the patrons have at it.

Chad

-----------------------
Chad Neeper
Senior Systems Engineer

Level 9 Networks
740-548-8070 (voice)
866-214-6607 (fax)

--   Full LAN/WAN consulting services   --
-- Specialized in libraries and schools --



Mary Beth Seith wrote:
> Hi everyone,
>
> With the holiday gift-giving season upon us, we're starting to receive 
> patron inquiries about the availability of iTunes on our public/lab 
> computers so they can make use of all the iPods they're buying. 
>
> Given the considerations with Apple's requirement that you "authorize" a 
> computer to an iPod/iTunes account, how are other libraries handling 
> this?  Right now, we don't have the iTunes software installed, but we do 
> allow patrons to plug in MP3 (or other USB) devices that don't require 
> special software.  I have no problem with adding iTunes/iPods, except 
> for these issues with maintaining the software installation as being 
> generic, privacy considerations, etc.  We don't currently have plans to 
> make our music collection available this way, but are simply looking to 
> accomodate those patrons who want to use it for their own tracks.
>
> For those of you who make use of a program like DriveShield or 
> DeepFreeze, do you simply make the patrons responsible for unauthorizing 
> the workstation they're using before departing?  Otherwise I can see 
> people ending up with zombie registrations when the system rebooted... 
>
> Thanks!
> Mary Beth
>
>   
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