[OPLINTECH] Thin Clients?

[Chad Neeper]

I think I was just schooled! LOL!

You're right, Ed. Nice catch! I only listed the libraries that use thin
clients...but I didn't clarify that.

To your other points, I actually prefer the opposite approach to
responding. I almost always reply publicly. It invites lively conversation,
other opinions, and often leads to great ideas. This thread is a case in
point. I ALMOST replied off-list, but I'm glad I didn't. Had I replied
off-list, There's an excellent chance I'd have never known that I didn't
clarify myself on that list of libraries. I also wouldn't have had the
chance to respond to your other comment:

Personally, I like to use thin clients as OPAC computers or stand-alone
short-use walk-up internet access stations. Most of the libraries I work
with are small and have very limited budgets, but still have the exact same
technology needs as larger libraries. Thin clients are a very, very low
cost way to repurpose ancient computers. The libraries like them because
there is literally ZERO maintenance on them. They can run for years
completely untouched. For smaller libraries, they can be hugely beneficial.
(The OP's original question was simply how many libraries use thin clients,
so I didn't go into all that in my original response. But I'm glad you said
what you said. I've been working in my own little world for so long that
I'm always afraid that I've got blinders on! Hearing other people's point
of view is invaluable.)

2 cents,
Chad
______________________________
*Chad Neeper*
Senior Systems Engineer

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

*Full IT/Computer consulting services -- Specialized in libraries and
schools*

On Wed, Jun 22, 2016 at 12:06 PM, Ed Worso <ed.worso at geaugalibrary.info>
wrote:

> I have monitored the OPLINTECH board since 2011. I always read the
> messages but usually respond directly to the person with an inquiry unless
> it merits a larger response that would offer insight to the greater
> community.
>
> I will note that you didn't answer her direct inquiry about the libraries
> you serve and whether they use thin clients or not.
>
> Thin clients, in my opinion, were a fad(?) from the late 90s/early 2000s
> that have mostly fallen away.
>
> If you are still finding them in a library, they probably need to be
> replaced. Again, in my humble opinion. I have not seen them since the early
> 2000s at the Columbus Metropolitan Library.
>
> For what it's worth, I hope this is helpful to you. Your mileage may vary.
>
> Ed
>
>
> Edward Worso
> Director
> Geauga County Public Library
> Administrative Center
> 12701 Ravenwood Drive
> Chardon, Ohio  44024
> 440-286-6811  x101
> 440-226-4511 cell
> 440-286-7419 fax
> www.geaugalibrary.net
>
>
> On Wed, Jun 22, 2016 at 11:57 AM, Chad Neeper <cneeper at level9networks.com>
> wrote:
>
>> I'll reply on behalf of eight libraries that don't monitor OPLINTECH:
>>
>> Arcanum Public Library
>> *Community Library
>> Hurt/Battelle Memorial Library
>> J.R. Clarke Public Library
>> Marvin Memorial Library
>> Mechanicsburg Public Library
>> Mount Gilead Public Library
>> Selover Public Library
>>
>> * Community Library might reply independently. They have tech-savvy
>> people on staff, but I don't recall if they still monitor OPLINTECH.
>>
>> ...which brings me to a second thought: If you're looking for accurate
>> stats, keep in mind that there could be a fair number of libraries that
>> won't respond. For instance, the other seven libraries I listed above don't
>> necessarily have tech savvy people on staff and may not have a clue if the
>> computers they're using are thin or thick. They also don't monitor
>> OPLINTECH.
>>
>> I think it's been years since the last time I saw another IT company post
>> to OPLINTECH, so I may actually be the only IT company that monitors this
>> list (or at least that participates). So you might have quite a few that
>> fall through the cracks and won't respond (perhaps even if you posted to
>> OPLINLIST).
>>
>>
>> HTH,
>> Chad
>>
>>
>> ______________________________
>> *Chad Neeper*
>> Senior Systems Engineer
>>
>> *Level 9 Networks*
>> 740-548-8070 (voice)
>> 866-214-6607 (fax)
>>
>> *Full IT/Computer consulting services -- Specialized in libraries and
>> schools*
>>
>> On Wed, Jun 22, 2016 at 11:23 AM, Jen Murphy <jenm at preblelibrary.org>
>> wrote:
>>
>>> Hello All,
>>>
>>> I am wondering how many libraries use thin clients. If you do could you
>>> please respond, so that I can get an estimate?
>>>
>>> Thanks,
>>>
>>> Jen Murphy
>>>
>>> --
>>>
>>> *Technology **Manager, **Preble County District Library*
>>> <http://preblelibrary.org/>450 S Barron St, Eaton, OH 45320
>>> P: (937) 456-5051 | F: (937) 456-6092
>>> jenm at preblelibrary.org
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> OPLINTECH mailing list
>>> OPLINTECH at lists.oplin.org
>>> http://lists.oplin.org/mailman/listinfo/oplintech
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
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>>
>>
>>
>
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