raspberry pi: opacs at messenger public library
TRANSCRIPT
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Raspberry Pi
An inexpensive computing solution for MPL’s OPAC
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What’s a Raspberry Pi?
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Why Pi?
• A general purpose desktop ranges in price from $300-$600.
• OPACs are only needed to browse the library’s catalog – a lot of the features on a GP desktop are unnecessary.
• Raspberry Pis (RPs) have a base cost of approximately $39, and can be outfitted with cables and case for under $100.
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Cost Breakdown – Two Choices
Item Cost
Raspberry Pi B+ $39.95
Case $8.95
8GB SD card (x2) $29.98
HDMI cable $4.95
VGA to HDMI adapter
$18.95
WiFi Dongle $8.50
Power Supply $7.95
TOTAL $119.23
Item Cost
CanaKit – includes Raspberry Pi B+, Case, Power Supply, WiFi adapter, HDMI cable, and 8GB SD card
$59.99
8GB SD card $14.99
VGA to HDMI adapter
$18.95
TOTAL $93.93
ALREADY HAVESD Card Reader Monitor (VGA) Keyboard Mouse
When smaller projectors get upgraded, we will have 2 VGA/HDMI adapters
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Location
We could ask Dominic to build us a shelf to secure the RP and cords.
ADA accessible OPAC –currently only really have in YSD.
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Lake Whitney Public Library
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Shaddow in the Library (AU)
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White Plains Public Library
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Locking them Down?
• RPs have a built-in kiosk mode that can be turned on. They can be set up to go right into a full-screen browser.
• Create a user login so that patrons can’t access the root login.
• Physically secure RP using whatever apparatus we use to house the user peripherals - make an “outer case” to secure board and cords, while still making it accessible for staff to do troubleshooting.
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But Linux! Code! Ahh!
• The Raspberry Pi Foundation, who makes RP, is all about Education.
• The original intention was to make a small, affordable computer so kids could learn how to code.
• This means there are tons of articles, blog posts, and forums on how to set up and troubleshoot your Pi.
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What About Staff Time?
• We should be able to get a RP set up and configured in about 4-8 hours.
• This translates to $69.44-$138.88 worth of staff time (VS Librarian).
• This is still cheaper than having our IT perform the set-up.
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IT Support?
• Ed is familiar with RP (he has two of them himself) so would be able to help troubleshoot if needed.
• RPs is run on Linux, so anyone with an understanding of Linux should be able to do tech support.
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What Else Could We Do?
• Set up a retro gaming station for kids/teens/adults.
• Digital Signage
• Include a RP in a mini maker-space.
• Programs (run by http://workshop88.com/ -they did one for St. Charles)
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Summary
• Adding additional endcap OPAC stations would be more financially reasonable with RPs, at roughly $100 per computer.
• Would be “just enough” computer to serve the necessary purpose.
• Plenty of “how to” out there to help us along in getting set-up.
• Potentially for expanding to replace the plasma screen computer.