On the final day of the 2006 LITA National Forum, Helene Gold, electronic services librarian at Eckerd College (St. Petersburg, Florida) described how thin clients are being integrated into the computing environment in the college’s new library. The 25 people who braved Forum-fatigue to attend were not disappointed by Helene’s engaging and accessible presentation.

The Cajun Clickers Computer Club, an independent nonprofit organization, is dedicated to promoting computer literacy throughout the community through a variety of comprehensive computer information opportunities tailored for people of all ages, educational backgrounds, income and vocations. Distribution of knowledge is done through printed materials, computer information seminars and workshops, radio broadcasts, electronic help media and a network of “sharing the knowledge” by and for members and the community at large.

In this issue of LTR, numerous detailed examples of what libraries are already doing—including public, school, and academic libraries—provide Levine the springboard to illustrate how librarians can reap positive gains by proactively, creatively, and (above all) affordably integrating gaming into the services and programs already offered at your library. The case studies reveal that gaming programs often turn out to be among the most popular a library can offer. “I have yet to hear about a library of any type offering gaming that has received negative feedback from patrons,” Jenny notes.

Complete school, lab, or business networks can be set up in less than a day and can provide years of inexpensive computer use. Existing computers can be converted to high-speed workstations. Popular software programs like OpenOffice and Firefox run fast and effectively. There are no operating system or software licensing fees, no costly upgrades, and no viruses or spyware to worry about.

Dynix is always ready to facilitate your success. Horizon Public Library Suite includes the key services required to get you, your staff and your library operational. Our global services teams are staffed with library experts, who will provide initial setup, answer your questions, offer consulting services, and deliver required training. Once your Horizon system is operational, Dynix Support Services continue to help you with responsive customer support to get you over the challenges you face, and consult with you over the lifetime of your Dynix solution.

Maximizing limited resources, particularly in the area of information technologies, requires effective technology planning. Many libraries were introduced to public access computing as a service through the Foundation’s Statewide Partnership Grant Program; now that libraries are seeing the demand for this service grow and their resources shrink, many have used technology planning to focus limited resources on specific strategic objectives for their library and considered how technology can help them more effectively achieve these objectives. Technology planning can be defined as assessing the technology currently available in the library, determining what technology is still needed, and considering how to manage it.

Wyse provides educational institutions with advanced technology tools that enable them to create a quality learning environment. School districts with widespread thin-client implementations have found that students who have access to a digital learning environment are more stimulated, more motivated, and perform better academically. Wyse makes learning and teaching enjoyable and affordable with smart, low-maintenance solutions to get students up to speed on their computer skills, help teachers deliver their curriculums in exciting new ways, and provide staff with easy access to centralized information. * Networked learning centers, computer labs, and libraries can be equipped with more workstations at a lower cost. * Secure, safe, durable, and student-proof because desktop controls and icons can be locked down, no floppy drives, no way to introduce viruses that could compromise a system, and no breakable moving parts. * Quick initial installation and software upgrades. * Lower energy usage than PCs means additional cost savings.

Eye4You Alliance is an 'island' in Second Life where teens, 13-17, can create and contribute and approved adults can work with teens. The island will explore library services in a 3D environment.

Librarian stereotypes are as old and outdated as microfiche. Nowadays you're just as likely to see your local librarian driving a Harley as a Honda Accord. This 3-1/2" x 4-1/2" hard-cover book contains twelve non-toxic temporary tattoos ranging in size from 1-1/2" to 3-1/4". Put one in a prominent place to prove once and for all that "smart" and "cool" are not mutually exclusive! Also great for bibliophiles and bookworms. All colors follow FDA cosmetic regulations.