Libraries: the original open source
A few days ago I attended a meeting at my library which went over procedures in our computer room. Mostly it was basic stuff like how to hook up the video projector, how to operate the computer reservation software, our policys regarding the use USB devices like flash drives, and that sort of thing. At some point the conversation came around to problems that some patrons experience trying to open nonstandard document file types--that's anything that's not a MSWord .doc file. Simply put, people with Word Perfect, Apple Works or even MS Works are unable to use our facilities to edit or even open their files. The reality is that MS Office is expensive, and not everyone can afford the software even if they can afford a computer.
I, of course, outlined some advantages of OpenOffice and suggested that we install it on all our machines; after all, it's freely available to everyone, and I do see people coming in occasionally with documents in the OpenOffice format wanting to access them. I was shocked at the response: it seems that because we are a public library and our information systems are administered by City Hall's IT department, we must conform to their policy that no "free" software be installed on our machines... I find it abhorrent that we, an institution mandated to fulfill the information needs of patrons, often those who do not have other readily available means to access information, are are unable to effect a minor change that would significantly increase the value of the services we provide for those who need it most.
I don't understand the reluctance to use free tools. No one benefits from this, except for perhaps malevolent corporate behemoths such as Microsoft. Libraries are the original open source. Heck, before Gutenberg invented the printing press, libraries facilitated the dissemination of information by providing repositories of information that could be copied. Although it was a slow and laborious process, libraries allowed for spread of precious information. I can guarantee installing a couple copies of OpenOffice and perhaps a FireFox or two is a lot easier than copying Plato by hand. As they say in the magical world of the "Internet," WTF man... and in any case you can't tell me the City does not use the odd Perl script or employ the add Linux server.
This move to block open source / free software goes against everything I believe as a professional librarian, and I'm damn well going to do something about it. Don't screw with librarians. We have pens and swords.
I, of course, outlined some advantages of OpenOffice and suggested that we install it on all our machines; after all, it's freely available to everyone, and I do see people coming in occasionally with documents in the OpenOffice format wanting to access them. I was shocked at the response: it seems that because we are a public library and our information systems are administered by City Hall's IT department, we must conform to their policy that no "free" software be installed on our machines... I find it abhorrent that we, an institution mandated to fulfill the information needs of patrons, often those who do not have other readily available means to access information, are are unable to effect a minor change that would significantly increase the value of the services we provide for those who need it most.
I don't understand the reluctance to use free tools. No one benefits from this, except for perhaps malevolent corporate behemoths such as Microsoft. Libraries are the original open source. Heck, before Gutenberg invented the printing press, libraries facilitated the dissemination of information by providing repositories of information that could be copied. Although it was a slow and laborious process, libraries allowed for spread of precious information. I can guarantee installing a couple copies of OpenOffice and perhaps a FireFox or two is a lot easier than copying Plato by hand. As they say in the magical world of the "Internet," WTF man... and in any case you can't tell me the City does not use the odd Perl script or employ the add Linux server.
This move to block open source / free software goes against everything I believe as a professional librarian, and I'm damn well going to do something about it. Don't screw with librarians. We have pens and swords.
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