PC and Printer Management & Scheduling Software
– from 2/2011 CTLS newsletter, updated 6/2011
**Please contact Zak Roussel if you have corrections or additions to this list.
PC and Printer Management & Scheduling Software
Lately I have been getting many requests for information on software that can be used to schedule public computer time, to limit patron sessions to a set amount of time, and to manage print jobs and costs. Here is a list of the software being used by public libraries in CTLS.
Pre-Book— http://userful.com/products/userful-pre-book
by Userful, Pre-Book is a FREE open-source product. This product does not appear to include print management. Integration with your patron database (for authentication) is available for purchase. Also look at Userful Desktop (http://userful.com/products/userful-desktop), which is a much cheaper way to implement and support public computers (through virtualization and thin client).
PCReservation & LPT-1 – http://www.envisionware.com/
by Envisionware. These products are used by many libraries. PC Reservation manages public computers, and LPT-1 manages print services. Patron authentication is via standards such as SIP, SIP2, to your library system’s patron database (http://www.envisionware.com/en/ilscompatibility)
Cybrarian – http://www.cybrarian.com
This product includes many modules for public computers, such as time management and signup, print management, public computer lockdown (similar to Steady State and DeepFreeze), patron authentication with many library system databases (including Biblionix), and even internet filtering.
SignUp – http://www.pharos.com/signUp/pharos-signup-LIB.html
by Pharos. This public computer management product includes patron authentication. Pharos also offers Uniprint, a print management product that includes a feature to assist patrons want to print from their laptops, and need printer driver software downloads.
PaperCut – http://www.papercut.com
Print management software only, but affordable and can include driver-less printing for wireless users.
Tracsystems - http://www.tracsystems.com
PC and print management
PCCop – http://www.cmsdiginet.com
by CMSDiginet. This public computer management product includes patron authentication (SIP and LDAP). CMSDiginet also offers Diginet, a print management.
ActiveCommunities –
http://www.activecommunities.com/technology-solutions/computer-reservations.htm
ALPS (Automated Library Patron Services) –
http://www.integratedtek.com/pc-print.php
by ITG (Integrated Technology Group). This product includes computer and print management, with includes patron authentication through many library system patron databases.
Cassie – http://www.librarica.com
by Librarica. The Cassie product includes computer and print management, with includes patron authentication through many library system patron databases. It also can include internet filtering, and they offer an option printing option for patron laptops using a library hotspot.
Note: If you need your PC scheduling and management software to interface with your patron database, you will likely need SIP, SIP2 or NCIP capabilities. These standards (and others) allow your PC management system to talk to your integrated library system. In other words, a patron walks up to the “signup for computer use” kiosk, and enters a library card number. The computer management system talks to your patron database, and says all is good with this patron. Contact your integrated library system vendor (such at Biblionix or Polaris) to learn which of these protocols they support.
Also check out this TechSoup article, originally from 2008 but with some updates:
http://www.techsoupforlibraries.org/blog/my-path-to-pc-management-heaven-cassie