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The article presents information on various public access computer software management tools for use in libraries. The Web is very popular with library patrons. As a result, they will attempt to use every available computer for general Web access. Sometimes, these can be computers designated for online catalogs or licensed database use only. Public Web Browser (PWB) from TeamSoftware Solutions controls Web browser sessions. PWB replaces the Internet Explorer interface with an interface that is highly configurable. It allows users to specify sites that can or cannot be accessed via the browser. Running anti-spyware software on a system for the first time can be an enlightening experience. Free anti-spyware software can be downloaded from several sites. Microsoft has developed a patch management tool called Software Update Services. It is used to deploy critical Windows updates throughout the library. Meanwhile, EnvisionWare's PC Reservation software controls patron access to public access computers. It can work to authenticate patrons prior to granting access to computer. It can be configured for use in a patron self-service mode or a staff-managed mode. It even supports making reservations via the Web or telephone.

The article discusses the management of public access computers in libraries. Many of the problems that have risen with the use of technology in the library are actually not new problems. The twist in public access computer management is that computers are capable of doing so much that it is difficult to restrict their use to only library-related functions. A computer that can access the library's online catalog on the Web can also be used to access personal e-mail, download music for a user's private collection, or play games. The struggle of library employees in the U.S. to allocate their computer resources fairly has not gone unnoticed by the general public. Librarians who were early pioneers in bringing information technology to the end user shared their experiences and frustrations through the Public Access Computer System mailing list. While there are some technological solutions to help libraries manage public access computers, the larger problem will remain. There will always be irate patrons unhappy with library computer access policies and procedures. At the end of the day, the best solution may be some library humor. A comprehensive source of library-related humor is the Laugh'n'Links section of the Laughing Librarian Web site.

Discusses the testing of the usability of library computer systems. Usability toolbox that is a method of testing systems; Librarians that participate in the design of their systems that increases their usability; Focus groups that can be used to test library systems; Interviews with individual library patrons who test the usability of the system; Field studies that can be used in the last stages of testing a library system; Other suggestions for testing the usability of library systems.

Discusses the four-year life cycle of most library hardware and software. The lack of support for Windows 95 by Microsoft Corp.; Advantages to upgrading operating systems; The uselessness of some upgrades in library systems software; The decreased cost of hardware and the increased cost of software; The issue of centralized management of software. INSET: A Tip for Handling Public Web Browsers.

Purpose – Grid computing, cloud computing (CC), utility computing and software as a service are emerging technologies predicted to result in massive consolidation as meta-level computing services of everything beneath one umbrella in the future. The purpose of this study is to foster the understanding and differentiation, by using the three aforementioned types of computing technologies and software, as a service by both public and private libraries to meet their expectations and strategic objectives. Design/methodology/approach – The approach in this study is a review based on comparing the four computing technologies with a brief analysis for researching and designing the mind map of a new meta-level computing service approach, taking into consideration the need for new economic tariff and pricing models as well as service-level agreements. Findings – Since it is anticipated that there will be likely potential consolidation and integration of computing services, a study of these four most advanced computing technologies and their methodologies is presented through their definition, characteristics, functionalities, advantages and disadvantages. This is a well-timed technological advancement for libraries. Practical implications – It appears that the future of library services will become even more integrated, running over CC platforms based on usage rather than just storage of data. Social implications – Libraries will become an open useful resource to all and sundry in a global context, and that will have huge societal benefits never imagined before. Originality/value – Concisely addresses the strategies, functional characteristics, advantages and disadvantages by comparing these technologies from several service aspects with a view to assisting in creating the next generation outer space computing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article offers technical tips for librarians. As library resources become more technology-dependent, patrons expect support in accessing and using trusted resources--even when a problem exists on their end. Even smaller public libraries can reach out in a number of ways to provide technology help to their patrons--by partnering with other local institutions, by creating or borrowing lists of useful resources, and by providing all staff with step-by-step instructions for troubleshooting common problems. The MaintainIT Project's "The Joy of Computing" offers some useful guidelines for recruiting and effectively using technical volunteers as well as invaluable advice on maintaining public access computers.

Reports that Sagebrush Corp. has released UCheck, a program that allows library patrons to check out materials by themselves. Set-up; Security measures; Features.