5 ways to ensure maximum system availability at Public Libraries

The primary advantage of digitization is the speed with which information can be accessed and exchanged. The internet has become the repository of all human knowledge which can be easily accessed with just a few clicks.

As a result of digitization, computers have become as vital for public libraries as books and physical records. Computers in public libraries allow patrons to scour the internet and find the content they require from a diverse range of resources. These institutions are especially beneficial for students or workers who may not have a dedicated device for educational or research purposes at home. In addition, computers in public libraries have the access to academic databases such as JSTOR and Project Muse, subscription to which is usually too expensive for individual students and researchers to afford. These libraries serve an important purpose in the technologically-driven lifestyles of most of the people in this global village.

Due to the aforementioned reasons, maximum system availability is essential for the smooth operation of public libraries. The lack of system availability can affect the patrons and may lead to delayed research and missed deadlines for assignments, academic papers, corporate presentations and the like. In general, patrons would have to deal with multiple inconveniences and be hindered by the lack of non-restrictive accessibility.

Maximum system availability can be ensured at public libraries by implementing the following preemptive and corrective measures:

• Vigilance: Public libraries have to be vigilant about the state of the computers being used in their facility. This includes both the hardware and the software aspects. Checking the physical components is relatively easy as a member of the IT only has to inspect the devices after the operational hours. But the online and software-related issues are trickier to isolate and control. Every computer is used by multiple users for numerous purposes throughout the day. Consequently, accessing random web pages or downloads can cause the device to become infected by malware, spyware, viruses and similar threats to cybersecurity. Consequently, IT personnel at libraries must be aware of any unusual activities on their public access devices. Any aberrant behavior may be a sign of malfunction and must be detected and remedied at the earliest. This helps to prevent the onset of IT downtime and maintains high levels of system availability.
  
  

• Regular updates: Both the positive and negative aspects of technology are perpetually progressing. Cyber threats like viruses and malware are constantly evolving and becoming more potent in their ability to breach antivirus and other system security mechanisms. To prevent attack by these elements, it is important to keep the operating systems and security software updated. These updates serve to keep library computers protected from newer forms of cyber threats ensuring maximum system availability.
  
  In this context, it is important to schedule updates at a time when their impact will be minimal on the users in public libraries. A number of functions get suspended when updates are being installed. Therefore, it is advisable to install them after working hours when patrons are no longer availing library computer facilities.
  
  

• Requisite backup procedures: Computers in public libraries are repositories of essential information. For example, they store academic databases. They also store the entire library catalog, allowing users to know the location of any particular book in the library. In some cases, users can issue books and other material on these devices.
  
  Such data must be protected by implementing necessary backup procedures. In addition to virtual protection of data, it is also necessary to maintain backups due to physical issues such as power cuts, damaged components, human error and the like. These procedures can go a long way in averting the possibility of prolonged system downtime.  
  
  

• Relevant security systems and policies: In order to preserve system integrity, public libraries must institute a set of security systems and policies within the facility. This may require all users (staff and visitors) to access the computers with a certain verification ID (membership number, password, etc.). It might also help to remotely monitor user activity on each device in case of suspicious behavior. Restricting access to certain websites might be detrimental to research efforts of visitors. Hence, it is advisable to inform potential members about the risks of accessing untrusted or malicious websites. This helps them to be on the safer side when surfing the web. These policies can prevent downtime by minimizing access to sources of malevolent digital elements and lower the possibility of computers being used by unauthorized personnel.