We have done the same thing and have found the same advantages. We networked the entire West Federal Reporter System plus some of their topical libraries to 85 attorneys, the library, paralegals, and are now about to expand some sets agency-wide. An additional advantage to copying to a server is that you aren't investing in cd rom drives that become obsolete about once a week (it seems).
Lillian Fry, Manager Library Services
Office of the General Counsel
Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation
-----Original Message-----
From: GBaker9916 [mailto:GBaker9916@aol.com]
Sent: Friday, January 08, 1999 11:37 AM
To: Mstorck; law-lib; CelticWolf
Subject: Re: Networked CD-ROM's Responses
We network over 40 CD's that are downloaded to a server that services ten
terminals. We rarely have the problems that are in your post. While we do
have the occasional glitches, the problems are rare.
We are a county law library and while we do have access to Westlaw & Lexis,
these are rarely used by our attorneys. The cost is prohibitive. Another
problem is I have to sign the user on as they we can't give out our password.
With the server our attorneys can just jump on at any time. We have 24 hour
access for attorneys with a keycard and this way they can get info when we are
not here.
The benefit of downloading to a server versus using towers is mainly speed.
The server is much quicker. We did run into a space problem recently and
have upgraded our Compaq Prosignia Server that had 12 gig of memory to the
Compaq Proliant 3000 which can be expanded to 81 gig of storage memory. The
3000 has a possible 6 drives of 18.2 gig each. We are starting with 3 drives
that gives us storage memory of 36.4 gigabytes. One drive must stay open.
We are running Novell Netware 5.0 and it works very well. Whatever system
you use, there will be problems. However, when set up properly the system
works quite well. Another advantage to the server is the discs are locked
up. With our library having 24 hour access this was an important point.
Our server is contained in the staff room which is locked at night which gives
us more security.
The problem with the internet is you can't go directly to the search terms as
you can on Westlaw, Lexis or CD's. This means you will often be required to
read the entire article or case to see if you like it. The CD's allow us to
browse search terms and quickly decide if a case is on point.
Another great point is the linking capabilities. On the internet linking
from one case or article to another is often impossible. Most states and
federal cases are not on the internet so internet linking is impossible.
In summation, the Compaq servers and Novel Netware have proven fast and
efficient. We have even gone to a software that lets attorneys print from any
terminal and keeps track of their printing for quarterly billing. This
software works very well with our system. If anyone is interested in knowing
more about our network feel free to contact me.
George W. Baker
Trumbull Cty Law Library
Warren, OH 44481
(330) 675-2525
GBaker9916@aol.com
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Date: Fri, 8 Jan 1999 11:26:40 EST
To: Mstorck@gklaw.com, law-lib@ucdavis.edu, CelticWolf@worldnet.att.net
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Subject: Re: Networked CD-ROM's Responses
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