[OPLINTECH] iTunes/iPods on public computers

[Shane Ian Hoffman]

We don't install ITunes for patrons to use, but do allow them to install it
themselves.  We use Compugard Cornerstone and Envisionware.  Cornerstone
makes sure that any changes a patron makes to the harddrive are wiped out at
reboot, and Envisionware has a setting that allows us to make sure the PC
reboots every time a patron ends his or her session.  

I haven't tried to install ITunes on our PCS as part of the image for two
reasons. 
1. I'm not familiar with the software not having an iPod, so I don't know if
the personal data MUST be done during the install(if not, it would be
trivial to install the software and just not configure it.  Then each patron
would have a fresh install to configure each time they start)

2. I feel that if I install it, I have to support it.  I don't have the
manpower to answer everyone's ITunes/iPod questions.

Shane Ian Hoffman
IT Coordinator
Pickaway County District Public Library
1160 N Court St
Circleville, OH 43113
740.477.1644 232

-----Original Message-----
From: oplintech-bounces at oplin.org [mailto:oplintech-bounces at oplin.org] On
Behalf Of Mary Beth Seith
Sent: Saturday, December 15, 2007 10:31 AM
To: OPLINTECH
Subject: [OPLINTECH] iTunes/iPods on public computers

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

-- 
Mary Beth Seith
Technology Specialist, Twinsburg Public Library
330-425-4268 x119
MSeith at twinsburglibrary.org
http://www.twinsburglibrary.org


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