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From The Library Director
Due to the
heavy use of public access computers in the Library, we will soon add
seven additional public access computers on the first floor near the staircase.
We hope to add a few more computers on the 2nd and 3rd floors in the near
future as well.
We will also replace the regular monitors on the
public computers throughout the Library with flat screen monitors. We
did a lot of research before deciding to spend the additional funds per
monitor to get the flat screens, but our research convinced us that the
extra cost was worth it. Below is what we found in comparing regular and
flat screen monitors:
- the flat screens are exactly the same size as our current monitors'
screens.
- the resolution is not quite as good on flat screens, but the non-glare
feature and sharper focus of the flat screens enhances the readability
of text and graphics over regular monitors, and the flat screen resolution
can be enhanced by using digital, instead of analog, connectors. We
asked several staff members who use both types of computers to compare
them, and they said they can see better on the flat screens.
- flat screens cut down on eye strain (pixels remain lit longer resulting
in less flicker, etc.).
- flat screens use 1/3 the electricity of a regular monitor.
- flat screens emit less radiation and less heat.
- flat screens save space.
- flat screens have wide viewing angles and are easier to turn for others
to view.
- flat screens tilt much more easily.
- flat screens are very durable (We found a study done in England where
they deliberately tried to damage a flat screen, including trying to
drive a screw in it, dropping it on the floor, etc., and it suffered
very little damage and kept running. The study said the regular monitors
would not have survived the crash to the floor.)
We are happy to be able to provide additional computers
and better monitors for our Library users. 
Mary L. Ryan
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