I found this article written by a systems librarian, who says it's not a good idea to buy the latest and greatest computer for library use (later in the article, he makes the same assertion about software and wireless options). Sure, the obvious reason is that some libraries simply won't have the money. But he lists some pretty good reasons to buy technology that is one step down from the most recent:
- Protection from new technology that, after a great deal of hype, never makes it past the first generation of products, or simply does not hold up well. He lists the OS/2 and OSI networks as examples.
- Libraries usually don't run applications that require extremely high-end performance. As long as the computer can run useful software at a decent speed, that will be enough for most libraries.
- Buying just a step down will, in most cases, provide good performance for considerably less money.
Although, he also warns that it's not worth it to buy low-end stuff, even if it is cheap, if only for its inability to run new software efficiently and possibly, waning support.
And, of course, he adds that anyone looking into purchasing technology should still assess their needs and look into all their options.
As someone who is interested in public libraries, I found this article very interesting, as well as practical. As someone who doesn't follow technology news, it never occurred to me that a hot new product could fail and never make it past the first generation. It's something to think about.
Although, the information in this article might not be as helpful to someone who is interested in specialized libraries that might require advanced technology.
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3 comments:
Karen, I enjoyed the article and the concept of "penultimacy." I’m sometimes very annoyed at how long it takes my university to adopt new technology (right now it’s tablet computers I’m chomping at the bit to try). But when I get the chance to talk to my favorite technology worker, and she tells me they’re waiting to see how well the program or gadget works first, I’m less annoyed. I think anyone or any library on a tight budget has to think twice about new technology and keep their focus on what works and what needs to wait (let other people work out the bugs first, I say). Is anyone else out there waiting to see how the new Windows Vista program works for other people, before loading it up?
Karen,
In reading your post, it made me think of a few issues I previously had not thought upon. Now that I think about it, it makes perfect sense to buy a step down for a lot of reasons. Cost is always a big factor, and if you can get more bang for your buck, why not?
Also, if it takes a long time for the professional world to catch up with new operating systems and the like, think about how long it takes the average consumer. Then take into account that the library probably has a lot of users that adapt slower than the average consumer, as coming to the library to use the computer can, in many cases, mean they themselves do not own a computer. Constant change, or even change at all, probably slows their usage and understanding.
I myself do not plan on upgrading to vista until the bugs get mostly worked out.
Good post :)
I agree with Breeding and Yvonne - in today's day and age there is always new and upcoming technology out there, but it is not always the wisest to spend the big bucks on the newest and most expensive software and hardware. Especially with the budget constraints in school districts, school media specialists must be careful with the budget money they are alloted. It seems that new software, especially, seems to have real bugs and kinks with the first edition/version. Not only is this technology usually very expensive, but also sometimes hard to get running properly. It makes much more sense to spend a little less on software and hardware that has gotten all the bugs worked out. If you are always trying to keep up with the newest out there you will constantly be buying.
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