Free Software at the Local Library? 274
DoraLives asks: "I live in a small town in East Central Florida, nearly in the shadow of the launch pads at Cape Canaveral. People generally expect that a place like this would be quite technologically advanced. Unfortunately, this isn't always true, and a case in point is the local library. They have a nice collection of CD's, and you might think you'd see Free Software CD's on the rack right next to Frank Zappa, Duke Ellington, and Bach. Think again, no such thing obtains here, or in any of the other libraries hereabouts." Aside from Linux and BSD install discs, what other pieces of software might make good items for the software section in your local public library?
"I went and talked to the director of the local library about having them provide a Knoppix disk or something similar to those unfortunates, who cannot afford a high speed internet connection to download and burn their own copies. Mr. Director seemed quite unaware as to the entire concept of Free Software and asked me to provide him with a 'list of this free software,' for his review. So, as part of my research into what's available out there, I thought I'd run this one past the users of Slashdot and see what they might recommend by way of operating systems, utilities, applications, and all the rest of the free stuff that's available for download and burning, that would make good items for the shelves of a lending library.
Methinks the inhabitants of my little burg would be tickled to find out that the entire computing world is NOT owned by a corporation in Washington state. I further think that this could be a fine way to get the word, and the actual software, out to the masses. Am I right? Can Slashdot help me with Mr. Director's need for information so he can make an informed decision."
doopdy doop (Score:5, Informative)
Everything's free at my library. (Score:4, Funny)
Which reminds me of my youth: (Score:3, Funny)
Re:Which reminds me of my youth: (Score:2)
The other could qualify under theft, forgery and/or a a boatload of the new cyber-crime felonies.
And stealing from a library, for chrissakes! You should apply for a job at SCO!
Why CDs? (Score:5, Interesting)
It would save the hassle of checking out a CD (like the music ones) and the software provided would, by definition, be legal to copy.
Re:Why CDs? (Score:2, Informative)
That would let people come in and make copies of the non-free stuff.
Re:Why CDs? (Score:2)
So does a copy machine, but you see plenty of those in the library.
Putting burners in libraries shouldn't be a problem, unless a state has a particular problem... I know my school library provides cd-burners in a large number of pcs, and have seen several others that do the same. Mine just posts a warning poster on the wall telling you that you shouldn't make illegal copies of copyrighted material, thus covering their butts (just like
Re:Why CDs? (Score:3, Insightful)
TW
Burn from ISOs only (Score:5, Interesting)
>>post instructions and allow people to burn
>>to their own CDs?"
>That would let people come in and make
>copies of the non-free stuff.
Set up a box restricted to burning from ISO
files only. Provide a simple click'n'burn
interface and a laminated card next to the
PC that would explain the different distros,
number of disks needed, hardware needed and pointers to paper references both in and
outside the library.
The library could provide CDRs at a small
profit to pay for upkeep on the system and
to buy more paper references. This would be
a great thing for a local Linux User Group to sponsor. It would create much greater public awareness of the local group, GNU/Linux and
the Open Source movement.
And no drone from Redmond (or anywhere else)
could complain about software piracy.
There's a
Re:Burn from ISOs only (Score:2)
profit to pay for upkeep on the system and
to buy more paper references.
I'm going to nitpick. Apparently you're not familiar with the concept of a lending library?
I'm as much of a capitalist as the next guy. But the point to lending libraries is that they are free, as in beer. So all you need to borrow anything is your library card, and zero dollars. Just borrow the CD, install on your system, and bring it back.
Lending copies and providing a cost-recovery burn
Re:Burn from ISOs only (Score:2)
Not that I disagree, but do keep in mind there are already things you can't borrow from the library. Usually reserve items can't be taken out. You have to read (watch, listen, etc.) them there or make copies. That being said, there should be no objections
Re:Burn from ISOs only (Score:5, Insightful)
1 Mac and Windows users will want download privileges and access to a burner as well. That I can guarantee, particularly if the library has the only free public access broadband connection in town.
2 A public library may not be willing or able to accept restricted donations, privately maintained kiosks, etc, especially if has has to pay for the bandwidth, documentation, maintenance, insurance, etc., needed out of it's general funds. Imagine the response of your local LUG if Microsoft took up the same plan, but with $60 billion in cash to back it up.
3 This isn't a trivial commitment for your local Linux Users Group or one that it can easily back out of gracefully.
Re:Why CDs? (Score:3, Informative)
Yes, and they have a photocoper at the library. It is not the job of the library to force patrons to obey the copyright laws. That is the job of law enforcement (in the case of criminal violation). Most libraries I have been to have big signs all over near the photocopier explaining exactly what copyright law allows to be copied, and what is forbidden. They could have similar signs at the computer for burning CDs. Alternatively, they
Re:Why CDs? (Score:2, Interesting)
Vancouver Public Library (Score:5, Interesting)
back in the late 80s, the Vancouver Public Library used to have a station where you could access a CD ROM full of all the Public Domain utilities (rememeber those days?
You can setup a special PC which has a tool that only burns selected software. We used to take our own 5.25 floppies and copy PD software, so there is no reason people cannot acquire a $0.50 CD and take home goodies.
less maintenenance/cost this way to the library...
-farshad
Re:Abuse, anyone? (Score:2, Funny)
Add an internet connection to the above => you're screwed.
Re:Why CDs? (Score:5, Informative)
CDs cost money. The PC costs money. Libraries don't have that kind of budget. Even if only a hundred people per year make that request, the costs would include:
1) Media. Including bad burns that must be discarded.
2) Computer time. Libraries often do not have state-of-the-art equipment. The computer doing the burning might not be able to do anything else while it's running.
3) Staff time. Something that is often missed. While this could be delegated to a library assistant.
Imagine what would happen if that number increased tenfold. We're talking thousands of dollars. It would be better for them to burn one or two sets of CDs and have them available for circulation, and simply replace them when they wear out. If a patron wants to purchase a CD copy for themselves then they would have to pay for it. Or they could do it at home.
I can see this as more viable in academic library settings. OpenOffice and other Free Software alternatives will help students get the type of software they need to write papers, create presentations, etc.. For public libraries... well, that would be up to the individual library.
Re:Why CDs? (Score:5, Interesting)
1. You could sell the media. In fact you could add a couple pennies to the price and offset some of other costs.
2. You don't need a new/fast/etc computer for this. I think a you could easily find a geek who will be happy to donate and set up his/her "second machine."
3. Once this is set up properly, it should require little, or no, maintenance. If you really do need to get something done/changed/etc
Of course, not being a librarian, I have no idea as to what kid of laws/rules/etc regulate this kind of thing.
Put the Free in FSS and provide CDs to the public (Score:3, Interesting)
1. Sell CDs, or
2. Dedicate a PC to copying CDs, or
3. Expect visitors to install Linux.
A better method is to follow AOL's business model. Provide CDs with a great label and a box that explains why you want one. Create CDs of FSS that runs on MSWindows. Let the CDs contain:
0. Easy installer that autoruns. Check the boxes and each installer runs without much human intervention.
1. Mozilla (browser, email)
2. OpenOf
Re:Why CDs? (Score:2, Insightful)
You wouldnt exactly need a top of the line computer either, its just burning CDs. Any PC less than 5 years old should be more than enough. Try goign up to some big tech company and seeing if they could donate one of ther older machines. Its worth a shot.
The only real cost would be th
Re:Why CDs? (Score:2, Interesting)
After all there are very few libraries that do not charge 5 or 10 cents for photocopies, and my public library currently charges 25 cents for every color page that is printed. They also charge $1.00 for diskettes for patrons to save word documents made using the two word-processing only computers (which do not have internet connections).
It is not at all unreasonable to think people might pay for su
Re:Why CDs? (Score:3, Interesting)
What I see as the biggest problem is answering the questions that patrons might have - IOW, support. The whole idea would die if the patrons couldn't get support and tutoring in using what they had borrowed - and could freely copy.
The only viable solution WRT to support that I can see is LUGs - but that might get to be debilitating for a lot of local LUGs in terms of time spent. Most LUG members are already
Gnu Win CD (Score:5, Insightful)
You should check out the GNUWin [gnuwin.epfl.ch] CD, a CD of lots of Free software for Win32, at least for inspiration on what to give users.
If you can make pop-in-the-drive-double-click-and-run CDs of things like OpenOffice or Mozilla Firefox (i.e., without installing), those would be great for demos. Perhaps an OpenOffice.org 2-CD set: One demo disc, one install CD. That way people could try it and realize how much they want it.
Also, consider pointing them to a good online support forum. It makes a lot of sense to have your own user-support service for your little project, or for others like it. That way, you can say, "Let me just drive over." A PhpBB setup would do fine for that.
Re:Gnu Win CD (Score:4, Insightful)
Also a label of "free software" could give the image to the regular library goer of inferior quality as sowtware is (for them) associated with cost. A more subtle title such as "public software" is also more accurate and is something that follows logically in a public library.
Re:Gnu Win CD (Score:5, Informative)
Re:Gnu Win CD (Score:3, Interesting)
Comment removed (Score:5, Interesting)
Re:Games! (Score:3, Funny)
You know, you might be able to check out a book on irony at your local library.
Re:Games! (Score:3, Funny)
Re:Console media ? (Score:2)
Since when was the PC a console in video game terms?
Most library users are windows users... (Score:5, Informative)
OpenOffice.org, AbiWord, GIMP
Mozilla, FileZilla, TightVNC, WinHTTrack, PuTTY
Audacity, CDex, Crack Attack!, Sokoban YASC, Celestia, Really Slick Screensavers
7-Zip, SciTE, WinPT, NetTime
All of that would be great. Maybe even print up a little intro booklet to help the user in deciding what to install.
You are right (Score:2, Funny)
You are right, this is probably the first we should change. I would suggest Debian GNU/Linux [debian.org] for starters and Debian GNU/Hurd [debian.org] for people willing to experiment and learn more. Next steps, as I have already mentioned, could be EROS [eros-os.org] and OpenBSD [openbsd.org] for systems less popular but extremely reliable and secure. I wonder which operating systems would other Slashdotters suggest.
Re:You are right (Score:2)
Licensing (Score:5, Funny)
Re:Licensing (Score:3, Funny)
Re:Licensing (Score:5, Interesting)
Most libraries would be very hesitant to put a 'contested copyright' item on the shelf for copying (after checkout - at home) knowing that they MIGHT get legally harassed for doing it.
This is most true for operating system software CDs.
It is not true for normal music/audio/spoken word CDs as public libraries take the position that ordinary CDs that are checked out will only be listened to and not copied.
I get most of my music from the two local libraries (one main library for the city and the library system in the wealthy suburbs). I used to just grab about ten CDs at a time off the shelf and rip them to MP3s, listen to them selectively, and burn the best music to 15 cent CD-R blanks. After about a thousand albums, I got a little bored with stuff like "1000 Bulgarian Accordians Play the Beatles", but I still found lots of interesting stuff that I would have never heard from any other avenue of music exposure.
I copied a lot of music that I'm not interested in now but may be in the future because I believe that it's only a matter of time before the RIAA targets libraries for having CDs available for checkout. You could come into the library one day and find all the music CDs, just, gone. All it takes is one paid-off judge. And we sure have plenty of those around here. So I copied everything that I could with the idea that I might possibly enjoy a different type of music (like jazz or classical) in ten years time when all the music may possibly have been removed from the library shelves.
[How's that for a verb tense? Subjunctive Future Perfect? Too much college, not enough beer]
Re:Licensing (Score:4, Funny)
I dunno, I think I'd *have* to listen to that one, just on principle. I mean, 1000 accordions!
RE: FS in the Lib (Score:4, Interesting)
2. Manuals.
3. Slashdot archives.
4. Linux/Unix howtos
5. Freshmeat archived snapshots.
6. Gnu utils.
7. All the distros...
I'm going to actually be checking into this soon at our local lib. My whole compter experience started off at a freenet helpdesk in the library back in like 95...Man.. I can give bacl.
So burn some discs and donate them (Score:3, Insightful)
DUPE! (Score:4, Funny)
Ask Slashdot has gone into reruns... [slashdot.org]
There isn't even an article here and we still got a dupe.
Knoppix and OpenOffice (Score:5, Interesting)
Re:Knoppix and OpenOffice (Score:2)
Re:Knoppix and OpenOffice (Score:3, Insightful)
My local branch library is pretty small, but branch libraries are the heart and soul of libraries everywhere. If they can give away everything that I give them, I'm entirely prepared to give them way more. I could constantly burn CD-Rs from now until my dying day and not give back a tenth of what local public libraries have given me over the years.
In fact, I offer up this challenge
Which library? (Score:5, Interesting)
I may be interested in helping out on your endeavor, since I am local and I support spreading awareness of free software.
Re:Which library? (Score:2)
Gangis M. Khan
Be careful - this guy also almost pillaged Europe. If he gets cocky trying to help you spread CDs, I suggest dusting him down with a little Comet [reidsco.com]. That did the trick when he was riding wild last time.
--
Evan
Which library? (Score:4, Informative)
Re:Which library? (Score:2)
I'm not a member of ANY users group hereabouts (or any other group either for that matter, it's just something I don't go for) despite having local roots in the computer community hereabouts going all the way back to Jerry Russell's TechTalk (remember THAT?) and other BBS's, and consequently don't know what the local UG's may
Re:Which library? (Score:2)
Fast internet connection and CD burners? (Score:5, Insightful)
I have to ask whether your library has a fast internet connection and whether the computers have CD burners (that library clients can use)?
Not to disparage your idea by implication, it is excellent. I just thought that the above could help people access software the library does not have on CD. In addition, some Free Software is updated so quickly that a library might have trouble keeping up with regard to receiving and cataloging physical CDs.
Finally, many libraries keep a home page on their computers which lists various reference sites. Perhaps Free Software sites could be added to this list.
Library demographics (Score:5, Informative)
Perhaps this could be successful in a smaller library with a more technically aware demographic, however in your average public library, I don't think it would see much success.
GNUwin (Score:2, Informative)
Provide Commercial Alternatives (Score:5, Insightful)
As far as what, id stick with the following:
1 - run from CD, such as Mepis, or knoppix, or freebsie.. ( give people a choice )
2 - General application replacements for windows.
3 - make your own #2's... with pretty liners for the sleves.. attract attention...
4 - games.. lots of games. its what drives a lot of people these days. FOr both windows and unix..
Just dont over do it.. give people 'cute' stuff to look at.
Repeat Topic But I'll Chime In Again (Score:5, Informative)
I do, however, try to make sure people know and understand the costs of MS Software as well as the benefits of Open Source/Free Software. I recommend OpenOffice for those who don't want to shell out a fortune for word processing. I tell people about Mozilla Firefox and describe the benefits it has.
I also have handouts with links to AVG Anti-Virus, Ad-Aware, and Zone Alarm. Not Open Source but "free as in beer."
To offer CD's could become a support nightmare unless you pull a "Try at your own risk" thing. Last thing a library needs are irate patrons because they borked their machines trying to use/install software YOU supplied.
If you are to do so anyway, go with OSS for Windows, first. OpenOffice, Firefox, GIMP. Then maybe the free-as-in-beer stuff I mentioned earlier for antivirus, anti-spyware, and firewalling. Then there's other stuff like Knoppix and bootable game CD's (America's Army?).
In the end, there are quite a few considerations to think about when offering software from a library. You'll have political issues, can lose some private funding/sponsorships, and even have irate patrons who mistake your goodwill for tech-support-for-life.
One of the irritating things I got to hear at the library was that when a student asked about BSODs and rebooting, the rest of the class said that it's a normal thing, and to get used to it. I had to tell them otherwise, and even then, they weren't fully convinced that instability isn't natural.
Hopefully with stuff like free software cd's, and the knoppixes of the world, people will find that there are alternatives to MS. Maybe they'll even see its simplicity, stability, and practicality.
Work on Koha www.koha.org if you want to help (Score:4, Interesting)
Many libraries still don't have high speed connections since many libraries are rural public libraries like mine. Scarily, we're still a 56k connection type of place. So the CD thing is quite cool. The second reason we would want this is because of those circulation statistics we'd get from checking out the CDs.
Your third roadblock - most directors gradumatated from liberry school about a zillion years ago. Computers are new to them. They shouldn't be, but trust me, most directors are 50-70 year old white guys that haven't gotten sunlight in a billion years.
Re:Work on Koha www.koha.org if you want to help (Score:2)
Start with Windows apps (Score:5, Informative)
Most people will switch to free software gradually, not suddenly with a complete operating system replacement.
They may eventually switch to Linux, but that will be much easier for them if they are already using software that can be used under both Linux and Windows.
Therefore, I think the best thing for most people would be a cd filled with easy-to-install Windows versions of programs such as the following:
* OpenOffice 1.1.1
* Mozilla Firefox (web browser)
* Mozilla Thunderbird (email and usenet discussions)
* Mozilla Sunbird (calendar)
* Nvu (based on the old Mozilla Composer web-design app)
* Mozilla Suite 1.6 (for those who prefer it all in one program)
* Pan (usenet binaries)
* gaim (chat client)
* The Gimp (to replace Photoshop
There are Windows binary downloads available for each of these programs...
You might also make a version of this disk for Mac OSX users. But by this, I mean apps that run natively, not through an X server. Fink is great, and you might want to have a disk that lets you install it and some of its packages... but running an X server is a little complex for the average user.
Apps that run natively under OSX that I know of:
* Mozilla Suite 1.6
* Mozilla Camino (a more lightweight browser)
* NeoOffice/J (a version of OpenOffice)
I am sure there are other native OSX FOSS apps... but those are the ones I know of.
Of course there's no reason you can't provide 20 different Linux distributions and the entire contents of Sourceforge... but I would focus on Windows and Mac apps, and Live-CDs so people can get their feet wet with FOSS apps without committing an entire system all at once.
Project Gutenberg CD (Score:4, Informative)
A cd [gutenberg.net] of Project Gutenberg books would be a reasonable thing for a library to carry. Staring at a screen isn't the best way to read a book, but I've read quite a few that way.
Some of my favorites (Some of which I read in dead tree format, I'm not masochistic enough to read Les Miserables via CRT):
-jim
Might want to consider a small purchase price (Score:2)
My experience (Score:2)
They've had software for a few years, with a decent variety of titles - reference, educational, games for the little kiddies, and so on.
When I walked into the library on Wednesday, however, I noticed a new addition to their collection: "Serious Sam: The Second Encounter."
Finally...now I can blast aliens and save the Earth, and it's only a dollar rental to do it!
Open source windows software (Score:2, Interesting)
A little offtopic, but... (Score:2, Redundant)
A list of software collections (Score:2)
Of the three, I believe the Open Source Software CD is the one updated the most and is the most complete. (Disclaimer: I am its proud maintainer.)
Give used books too! (Score:2)
Too bad I can't collect some royalties from overdue fines!
Documentation (Score:2)
But, equally important is information for the librarians. We're writing some short information about the distributions, with recommendations about which one they'll recommend. Mostly, I guess they should recommend Mandrake or Knoppix, but provide others on request.
Second, on the CD labels we'll provide an emai
Free software (Score:5, Insightful)
I personally think the local library should carry ALL software. It's copyrighted the same as books. How about tax software? People only need it once a year. Checking it out for a week and returning it makes sense. Think about how many programs you only need maybe once or twice a year. Partition Magic comes to mind. Almost all games get boring after a couple of weeks.
Of course software companies would have a fit about this because they percieve lost profits. I think most people that would check out software from a library would go without before buying it.
The real solution to the problem is open source software. I personall think linux is almost ready for the desktop for the average user. Hell, the evolution email client alone makes me want to switch (I'm dual booting now, mainly because my sound drivers play volume at 1/3 of the windows drivers and my USB flash keychain thingy doesn't work properly under linux. I'm running mandrake 10 with asus a7v8x-x mobo. any ideas??
But I'm getting offtopic. Libraries should have ALL software available for checkout, just as they have all other forms of media. Thank god libraries have existed for as long as they have in this country, because if they were suggested today, they would get vetoed by book, magazine, movie, music, and software publishers because of a percieved loss in profit. Think of all of the brilliant people throughout history that were not rich enough to have their own vast collection of books.
Re:Free software (Score:2, Interesting)
If a program that is not free is available, a user can check it out, have it home, burn a duplicate CD and have the CD back at the library the same day.
Books on the other hand, would be practically impossible to duplicate in the time the library allows you to have it in your possession.
Basically, it is not cost-effective to copy a book, which is why books that would otherwise cost you some $$$ can be available at a libra
Re:Free software (Score:3, Interesting)
Yes I would.
And so would everybody I know. I'm pretty sure.
I'm actually very conservative about this, I think I have about 4 copied CD's in a total collection of 300+ CD's and 400+ records, but still...
I know I would do it because where I lived a year ago, I could buy pirated software for $4 as opposed to twice or trice the market price in the US, and guess what, I bought the pirates.
It's a shame, really, I won't waste your time with excuses
Re:Free software (Score:3, Interesting)
I do occasionly see CDs in books on the shelves, for example, in the travel section of the local surburban library there is a set of six CDs that have the detailed topographic maps of the entire United States (except Alaska and Hawaii
CD-ROM next to CD? (Score:2)
Perhaps get them a subscription to Linux Format magazine in the DVD edition, with an available DVD reader and CD writer somewhere nearby.
None (Score:4, Interesting)
My first Linux distro was a store-bought, shrink-wrapped copy of RedHat. I was hip deep into it before I realized it was a couple of versions old
So how tough would it be for a library to set up a mirror of the ISOs for linux/bsd/etc. distros, and a directory of tarballs for packages?
Then all you need is a few cd burners, and you are all set
Strapped for the storage space? How about just an index, a starting point for the uninitiated, that will point them to the projects' sites where they can download the ISOs, RPMs, DEBs, etc. that they want. (Cache 'em with squid, maybe).
Now, the library doesn't have to worry about the CDs being returned, or being damaged (or getting 'stale').
My point is, (and I am truly not trying to pick on anyone here) that the mindset of someone asking this question is a bit askew; they are overlooking the Internet! Now I am a dead tree lover; obsessed, really. But I realize that dead trees are no longer the best way to distribute information in all cases
All you are really interested in is getting folks information here, right? just the bits
The library should focus on helping people find that information
One last point to beat the proverbial dead horse
If the library has broadband internet access, where a user can download debian, for example, and a little help finding it for the newcomers
Re:None (Score:2)
Not everyone wants the bleeding edge of free software. I spend way too much time trying to determine what has changed every time I change to a new distribution, and if something doesn't work on a new install with a new distro, I'm stuck trying to debug two different things at the same time.
Example: brand new system which is just like one I already loaded up. Tried Fedora Core 1 instead of RH7.3. No net, no audio. Was the pr
Some Titles (Score:2)
* C/C++ Users Journal CDs
* Software Practice & Experience(1971 - 1980) (very expensive)
* Plan 9
* Solaris 8 Source Foundation Release
* Red Hat Fedora Core 1 with Updates
* The Single UNIX spec v3
opencd anyone? (Score:2, Informative)
FileZilla as an alternative to cuteFTP (Score:2)
Just don't make the mistake of listing only Linux software. Most people still use Windows and there's more to OpenSource than just Linux. Windows users should get exposed to the concept as well.
MY library (Score:2, Interesting)
Windows Update (Score:5, Informative)
Of course if everyone using the library has broadband it might be kinda mute, but it would be useful for everyone else.
A better idea than providing software for check-ou (Score:2)
A better idea: provide a way for those users without reasonable net access at home to burn a copy at the library. They could buy a blank CD for 25 cents from the library, then sit at a terminal and burn the software they want.
The interface to this w
The greartest browser in the world... (Score:2)
potential problem (Score:3, Interesting)
Windows patches? (Score:5, Interesting)
Does anyone know if it would be legal to make a CD full of Windows patches and service packs? Such a CD would be incredibly useful for me, and perhaps other people. Someone could write a nice pamphlet on how to protect your computer, and provide a simple installation program for installing necessary patches from the CD.
It'd be like one of those health pamphlets, such as "how to protect yourself against skin cancer", but geared towards protecting Windows computers.
Replacements for commonly-exploited parts of Windows could also be included, such as Firefox, and as a bonus, MiKTex [miktex.org] and a tutorial can be included to free college students from the grasps of Microsoft Equation Editor ;)
Re:Windows patches? (Score:2)
Re:Windows patches? (Score:3, Interesting)
You'd have to talk to Microsoft about the subject. What you're doing is thoughtful, practical, and would have some major value esp for people who buy new systems who are told to download s
Re:Windows patches? (Score:2)
The Windows Security Update CD will be shipped to you free of charge. This CD includes Microsoft critical updates released through October 2003 and information to help you protect your PC. In addition, you will also receive a free antivirus and firewall trial software CD.
This CD is only available for Windows XP, Windows Me, Windows 2000, Windows 98, and Windows 98 Second Edition (SE).
Free shipping too.
Just contribute disks of everything recent. (Score:2)
If you contribute disks, rather than giving them a list of things for the library to acquire, they're very likely to make them available.
Commercial distributions are nice. But given that it's free software you could download and burn the disks yourself.
If you do provide homeburned disks, be sure to clearly mark the disks with what they contain (leaving space for a library marking, too) and provide a hardcopy of the license with each - preferably as a jewelcase insert - so the lib
Adelaide Hills Library (S Aust) -finally- got it! (Score:2)
First, BERKS 6 (there may be a '7 by now, FAIK) is:
A set of 4 CD-ROMs - full of tutorials on IT, programming, etc -and- Open Source Software - and the whole set costing under Au$ 20.00 + post made the deal very good value, indeed.
So, I suggested that the Stirling library, (one of the lib's in the Adel Hills Council area) buy & shelve a set or two for borrowing.
The ans
Not software, per se, but... (Score:2)
I've actually taken to putting all five of them (available via BitTorrent at this website [zlynx.org]), three Blackmask.com [blackmask.com] public domain book CDROMs, and the free works of Cory Doctorow [craphound.com] on a single DVD+ROM and handing it out to folks who have DVD drives.
How about Whitebox Linux? (Score:2)
Really cool (Score:2)
If such a library project could emulate some of this, that would overcome a big obstacle.
I think: include a booklet with hardware compatibility, system requirements and install instructions, make sure all distributions are stable and leave the experimen
FTP Mirror CDs!!! (Score:2)
I remember, when I first started using Linux, I got the "Tri-Linux distro set" (which included Debian, Red Hat, and Slackware), along with it came a 3 cd set of a sunet mirror FTP site. So by today's standard, I would like to see a CD mirror of the iBiblio.org FTP archive.
recommend no burned cds (Score:3, Insightful)
I would recommend that for people introducing libraries to free software, that cds should be purchased from mass-produced (with the distinctive stamped look) cd vendors for security trustworthiness. Not just on the person who puts the cds in the library but so borrowers don't replace any cds with their own versions.
And for burnt cds I'd recommend that the URL for the checksum be included in the cdrom case.
As far as selection goes, I don't think you can go wrong.
have fun.
"Linux Format" (Score:3, Interesting)
So that's my vote for my lending library. But I'd still keep my subscription anyways.
Security, Anyone? (Score:3)
Otherwise, such software is just begging to be tampered with by some wise-ass 17-year-old -- or somebody malicious, even.
CDs already included with FOSS books (Score:3, Interesting)
Re:Two Words (Score:3, Funny)
Re:Has anone noticed? (Score:2)
The old fashioned way? (Score:2)
Write them.
Re:Has anone noticed? (Score:2, Insightful)
OK, I'll feed you. What do you mean? The physical space or the idea? Not that it matters much.
Libraries as physical space: Lots of information, especially books, are not available in digital format and may never be. Even if they were, digital isn't the preferred format for lots of people. Maybe someday this won't be the case, but that's not the point: Right now, communities still need a place to store physical media.
Libraries as idea: Basically, a library is a bunch of people poolin
Re:Has anyone noticed? (Score:2)
Dead....gone.....useless...like the corpse of a maggot-ridden woodchuck, laying under the front porch on a hot Alabama afternoon, with nothing left but a faint smell and a few hanks of brittle brown fur - An X-Library.
Lifeless...much like your argument, since the basis of all information is in the minds of men, and not on the shelves in the Library of Congress. This is a format war, not a content debate, and the books of the Han Dynasty, Gutenberg and Archibald Press are all digital
Re:OK then (Score:2)
Let's see, I'll try another approach. I will not agree to further the wet dreams of crackpots like RMS by subsidizing distribution of software that is not absolutely free and in the public domain through the public library system, which I also pay for. This includes anything that is licensed under the GPL, BSD, MIT, X11, etc.
Now that sounds more like a troll, but it means exactly the same thing.
gave Project Gutenberg to FL school (Score:3, Informative)
I actually did do that, I made a multi-CD copy of the entirety of Project Gutenberg and gave it to my sister, a schoolteacher in central Florida, for her gifted classes, and a copy to give to her friend, who's a librarian in that area.
It was a very novel notion to them, so I don't know that it ended up getting used (I'm too many thousands of miles away to check), but I gave it a shot...