Virtualizing the desktop PC

In keeping with the wide-ranging intent of this blog, let me introduce what I believe to be a major trend already prevalent in business that will eventually make its way to the library world. That trend is virtualization.

When we think of virtualization, it is usually in the context of the data center. If you talk to your IT staff, they will tell you that in many cases, servers bought and installed, especially if they are for one purpose, are almost always woefully underutilized. Creating many virtual servers that run on one physical server can help maximize the use of this expensive resource.

But what I want to address is not the server virtualization, but what to the library world is generally more important and that is the maintenance and stability of the public PC. Libraries spend much time trying to lock down a PC so the public user cannot inadvertently or even maliciously change the system. Products like Fortress or Clean Slate from Fortres Grand or Deep Freeze from Faronics essentially work to protect the PC from user changes.

The drawback of these types of products is that certain changes have to be allowed so exceptions must be made. For example, anti-virus updates must take place, patches and security fixes must be installed and upgrades to existing software should be done on a somewhat regular basis. So, all these exceptions have to be accounted for which can take some time and effort and the exceptions can create "holes" in the security of the PC we are protecting.

So in comes virtulaization. By using VmWare workstation coupled with the free VmPlayer, we are creating virtual PCs that run on a "host" PC. Each of these virtual PCs (and we have several types) run all of our software and our PC control software - in our case we use CybraryN. The user (patron) sees a PC that looks and acts just like a regular PC. The advantage to us is that because we are using a virtual PC, that virtual PC can never be permanently changed. So if a user does make a change of some sort such as installing software or introducing a virus, the fix for staff is simply shut down the virtual PC and restart it. Everything is then reset to the original state.

There is some expertise required in setting up the virtual PCs, but any competent IT department can gain the skill set necessary. And IT departments should be looking at virtualization technology anyway if for no other reason than in their data center as I described above.

A major trend in the business world today is the notion of "Business Intelligence". Business Intelligence or BI for short, encompasses several concepts. First, is the use of data mining techniques to get at information on customers including their purchasing habits, geographic area, income and so forth.

Next, this information could be used to redirect resources or provide new or expanded services customers are demanding. All organizations have finite resources so maximizing their productivity can make the difference between success and failure.

Finally, an organization can use the information to anticipate customers needs. A proactive organization can get ahead of the curve and beat its competition to market.

Now, what does all this have to do with libraries? An exciting development is the SirsiDynix Normative Data Project or NDP.

Normative Data Project

NDP gathers circulation and customer demographic data in an effort to better target the libraries collection and serivces to its customers.

Such data gathering raises many questions we in the library world need to ask and answer. Some questions could include privacy of the customer library record, technical expertise of the staff, funding or making a case that makes sense to your governing Board or your public.

My library is exploring a similar project. Questions we are asking as we experience rapid growth in circulation include type and quantity of materials to buy (VHS or DVD for example), collection makeup for different branches and so on. We hope using data mining technicques can help us better use our taxpayers money in providing a quality collection.

The data is available in our circulation system but in most cases, the data we need - checkout history - disappears when the item is checked back in. Yet, keeping that checkout history to create an Amazon.com like experience raises all the questions above and probably many more.

I will post more on this topic as we move forward as well as providing case studies where businesses have used or are using business intelligence techniques to better serve their customers.

One of my goals has been to help my users with solving the challenges they face everyday in the Library. Sometimes, those challenges can be addressed by technology and that is where I come in.

The Library I work at has undertaken, over the last six years, many technology projects that really advance the customer experience, both our staff and our patrons.

Some of those projects include a VoIP installation over five years ago when it was just a dream in many organizations mind. Creating a "home user" like experience with our public PCs is important ot our Library too. And RFID, love it or leave, is going to make an enormous impact on how libraries interact with their customers and on their internal operaitons.

I'll talk more on these topics and others as I develop this blog.

I am very interested in hearing what technology challenges you face everyday, whether you work in a library, are a customer of a library, or are in the community at large and have ideas on how the library can be a better place to use, visit and support.