Recommendations for Champlin Grant applications for library technology.

Barcode Scanners
CLAN recommends that libraries purchase laser barcode scanners through A-R&B Associates. The Metrologic MS-9520 Voyager is the standard scanner, appropriate for most situations. The Voyager costs $295 configured to connect via PC keyboard port. The Metrologic MS6720 features an omni-directional scan. It costs $465 for the PC-configured unit.

Computers - What to retire
Computers purchased in 1999 do not meet specifications for running Horizon, so they cannot, even with upgrades, be used for staff workstations. Dell computers purchased in 2000 and 2001 may still be useful, but since they will be out of their warranty period, they should be replaced in 2004 if hardware maintenance is an important issue to you.

New Computers
CLAN will purchase Dell Optiplex GX270 Pentium 4 computers with Windows 2000 Professional, starting with the July 2003 quarterly purchase. The main change in these computers is that they will have 512 MB of RAM, instead of 256 MB. This also applies to notebooks PCs.  We will purchase Dell Latitude D-series notebooks.   Specifications for systems will be updated quarterly, and posted on the CLAN Support site.

Small Form Factor - 15 FP $1,300
Small Form Factor - 17 FP $1,400
Minitower - 15 FP $1,300
Minitower - 17 FP $1,400
Laptop computer $1,800
Laptop with docking station $2,000

Printers
Laser printers remain the most cost-effective public printers, especially if they are shared on your network.

• Basic Laser - HP Laserjet 2300 series.  Least expensive model, for single user, costs $649.00.  You can get a network version of the 2300 with more paper capacity for $1,000.  You can print up to 50,000 pages a month on a 2300, at 25 ppm.
  
• Advanced Laser - HP Laserjet 4200 series. For $1,479 you get a network printer that can print up to 150,000 pages per month at 35 ppm.
  
• Inkjet printer - HP6122 or HP6127.  This is the successor to the 800 and 900 series, uses same cartridges. The 6122 costs $179, the 6127 costs $250.  The 6127 has a print server built in.  Both models can do duplex printing.

Receipt Printers
The  most popular thermal receipt printer is the Epson TM88-III. It costs $350, or $375 with a cable.  The TM-U200 plain paper receipt printer costs $250.

Network Servers
Many libraries could benefit by installing a local area network (LAN) server running Windows 2000/2003 Server.  Besides traditional file and print services, a Windows 2000 network (server and desktops), offers powerful, centralized network management of desktop security through Group Policies. A network server that suits the needs of most libraries will cost $5,000 to $7,000, plus installation.  Costs for installation vary depending on the complexity of the network, but a typical installation will cost approximately $3,000. Budget approximately $2,000 per year per server for maintenance.

Wireless
Wireless 802.11b (also known as "Wi-Fi") network connections are a viable alternative to data cabling in many situations, such as providing Internet access in meeting rooms. Prices quoted are for Cisco equipment.
Cisco Aironet Access point: $1,100 (includes Atrion installation)
Cisco Network card for laptop: $100
Cisco Network card for desktop: $250

Bandwidth Management
Bandwidth and application traffic management systems deliver predictable, efficient performance for applications running over the WAN and Internet. The combination of Layer 7 (application) classification, analysis, control and reporting capabilities enables administrators to keep critical traffic moving at an appropriate pace through bandwidth bottlenecks and prevents inappropriate traffic from monopolizing the link.

Most CLAN libraries could benefit from the installation of a bandwidth management system.

A Packeteer 2500, configured with compression and installed by Atrion, costs $11,255

Video Conferencing
Polycom Viewstation SP $6,700

Network Switches
CLAN is changing to Cisco network equipment.  The Bay/Nortel switches that are in place can be used for the foreseeable future.  Any remaining hubs should be replaced as soon as possible. The following Cisco Catalyst 2950 series managed switches are recommended:

Cisco 80 port switch: $6,120 plus 1st year's maintenace ($1,010) and install ($400)
Cisco 48 port switch: $2,925 plus 1st year's maintenace ($775)and install ($300)
Cisco 24 port switch: $1,625 plus 1st year's maintenace ($475) and install ($200)

If your budget is restricted, consider Dell managed switches:
Dell 24 port switch: $489 [includes 3 years of maintaince]. No install.
If you have any questions about switches, contact Peter.