Desktops Be Gone?
PrintPatrons have come to count on the computers at their local library to work on their resumes, find need-to-know information, access their e-mail messages and much more.
Most of the time libraries have desktops. But is there a more eco-friendly option in 2010?
Has your library been operating on auto-pilot with regards to your purchasing decisions by sticking with desktops versus the now often just-as-powerful laptop?
No library is immune. We can all benefit by turning off our auto-pilot, especially in the area of purchasing.
With the purchasing and disposal choices they make, libraries play a key role in shaping not only the footprint of individual computers but also industry output as a whole.
Keep in mind the following facts from the Natural Resources Defense Council:
“• Laptops use approximately a quarter of the energy of a comparable desktop;
• Laptops use less material than comparable desktops, so their footprint is relatively smaller;
• If a desktop is seven or more years old, it is likely that it uses over ten times more electricity to run than a modern Energy Star laptop.”
Libraries can get in the know by seeking out Energy Star-rated machines which make them, on average, 30 percent more efficient than comparable machines.
For more info on this important topic,visit NRDC’s Simple Steps.
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Comments
Green the desktops instead!
When I arrived at our library, the desktops were already five years old and some of their hardware was failing. Additionally, ALL of the staff machines, OPACs and word processor machines were still using CRT monitors. Mostly they were of Dell or Gateway origin, and once Gateway and subsequently MPC went under, we were faced with obsolete hardware that had no further support even though we had paid for the support contract. The Bankruptcy Court saw to that.
Anyway, I have taken it upon myself to build all the new hardware using only 80%+ certified efficient power supplies, and replaced all the CRT monitors (except for 3, but they’re on the schedule) with LCD monitors. As for the OPACs, they now use diskless mini-pcs that only draw about 15 watts on max load, which in usually only when they start up. We are using about 75% less power across our computer systems now, which is good in my book.
And I’ll echo the sentiments of a previous poster about laptops being a more fragile & difficult platform to administer. Software updates aren’t so much a pain, but as with all things perceived to be free, the mindset of "drive it like it’s stolen" applies. Our patrons are on the hook for replacement if damaged & they know it when they check them out, so maybe that’s helped. If we ever get a new facility, we will likely get more in the way of laptops and be set up more like a cafe than a library in that area. Here’s a link to our Internet access page for an idea of what we do.
Desktops Be Gone
Another option, and one that avoids the ergonomic pitfalls of laptops, uses less energy, has a smaller footprint, and doesn’t need to be replaced as often as standard hardware is thin client. For the past eight years we have leased standard desktop equipment for public and staff use, updating them at 3-4 year intervals. The next round of updates will be a phased in move to thin client. We will keep a few standard desktops available in our tech lab and we do have circulating laptops for use in the facilities.
laptops vs PCs
Having some laptops available is not a bad idea, but they are significantly more labor intensive to manage than a fixed asset like a PC. Unless of course you are locking them down in place. Otherwise you are circulating them, and managing cases, cords, mouse, software updates, in ways that are not necessarily the same as a PC.
Laptop loan moan
My experience in a library with loaning laptops is that they are prone to be destroyed in a short amount of time. The batteries are burnt out quickly with incessant recharging; is that eco-friendly? Repairing them is virtually impossible and at a minimum are time-intensive; better have a support staff that’s large enough as your budget can allow. They still seem to be a novelty to users; they carry them around with the screen open, one hand, and of course they are eating at the same time. Within a year we abandoned the loaner program. Meanwhile we get 4-6 years out of a desktop.
Sure, there are lots of good
Sure, there are lots of good reasons to choose laptops over desktops. Here’s a significant reason NOT to replace all of your desktops: they are simply not ergonomic. As someone with significant joint problems, I can tell you that using a laptop for long stretches of time can lead to many joint disorders and much pain. And even if you don’t hurt now or aren’t having problems today, longterm use of equipment that doesn’t take ergonomics into account will almost inevitably lead to a range of permanent mechanical problems in your fingers, wrists, elbows, and shoulders. So be sure to consider all of the potential consequences of equipment replacements before you take the leap.