Are Library Computers Safe?

With almost 90% of American homes having laptop and/or home computers, it’s easy to forget that libraries are still used by millions. And this centuries-old institution is remarkably modern. One of the technologies you’ll find in many is the use of thin client computers.

What is a Thin Client Computer?

In short, it’s simply a computer (or computer program) that relies on another computer to fulfill its traditional computational roles.

The Benefits of Thin Client Computing for Libraries

Now that you know what it is, let’s take a look at some of the benefits institutions like libraries derive from utilizing this technology.

Eliminate Licensing Fees: Numerous users can access programs via an external application service provider. This, in effect, eliminates the need for a library to pay for licensing application software.

Independent Browsing Stations: Because thin clients permit applications and other network resources to be concentrated on centralized servers, standalone browsing stations are possible. This provides privacy, while still allowing many users to access data from only one computer.

Remote Access: Thin clients allow users to access data remotely. To accomplish this, all a user has to do is connect to the terminal’s server to access network applications.

There are many other benefits for libraries, eg, low cost access for students, thin client printing, but now let’s address the main issue many ask when it comes to thin clients and libraries – is it safe?

Insight into Network Security for Libraries Operating in Thin Client Environments

Network security is a leading priority for all computing technology today. Thin client computing is no different. But an argument could be made that thin computing is more secure because it requires no local hardware (eg, disk drives). This allows network administrators to better control sessions because they operate on a centralized server.

Because of this fact alone, libraries that utilize thin client computing tend to be safer than ones using “fat,” full-fledged PCs.