Proposal to Implement a Local Area Network
in the Main Library Building (MLB) University of Khartoum Libray
The library divisions housed in the Main Library Building each has a significant number of microcomputers used by their staff. These microcomputers could be used more productively through the implementation of a Local Area Network (LAN) which would connect all these microcomputers. Once connected through a LAN, microcomputer users could share printers and data files, and have access to a large hard disk for storing application programs and data. This LAN could also provide various types of access to University Information Network, Branches of Libraries in campus-wide network. This report presents a proposal for how a LAN could be implemented that would be used by each of the library divisions in the MLB.
Library Current Situation:
Number Library Divisions Pcs Printers Staffs Remarks
1 Cataloguing&Classification 3 // 10
2 Acquisition 2 1 4
3 Periodicals 2 1 3
4 Users services 2 1 14
5 Auditory Library 8 2 4 For special Needs Users
6 Library Financial Controllar // // 1
7 Library Registrar 2 1 3
8 Chief Librarian 1 1 2
9 Manuscripts // // 1
10 Shingiti Library // // 2
-Users services Division ,periodicals , auditory library, and Shingiti Library are provide users services, the user services division consist of 5 Reading rooms, three are open access and two are closed access it service about 2000 users, the auditory library serve about 40 users with special needs, and the periodicals section divided in to two sections one for paper form journals and the other for E-journals, currently 2 microcomputers connect to the network on eastern building side (Lab1) As for the lab II is located in the western side of a planned to Capacity 12 computers to serve academic staffs members and post graduate students and researchers .the Shingiti Library serve about 4o users on maxima.
Local Area Network advantages:
In a non-networked environment, each microcomputer is a self-contained system and can only use its own resources. If a user needs a hard disk or printer, then one must be installed in the system. All software and data must be installed on disks that are used exclusively by that system.
1- Local area networks allow microcomputers to share resources.
2- Multiple users can update the same data files. A single common data file with multi-user access works more coherently than situations where several individual copies of a database exist that must later be integrated.
3- The network environment controls access to data so that only authorized users can view or update specific files
4- Applications software can be stored on the server. Although the programs still run in the memory of each individual workstation, the files necessary to run the program are stored on the server instead of each individual hard or floppy disk of each PC on the network. This simplifies the process of changing or upgrading software and ensures that everyone is using the same version of each software application. It is generally more economical to license the required number of network users of software packages than it is to purchase the same number of individual copies of the software.
5- A network environment promotes the sharing of printers. Computers without their own printers can take advantage of printers elsewhere on the network.
6- Through a LAN, microcomputers that currently only have floppy disks can obtain greater performance and ease of use by having access to the hard disk of the server. Many library microcomputers were purchased without hard disks at a time when floppy disks systems were considered to be adequate for most applications.
7- Another advantage of the LAN is that it would provide more security for data that users must provide for themselves on their non-networked microcomputers. All data on the LAN would be backed up frequently so that files accidentally deleted by users or lost through computer hardware failures could be restored.
Components of a Local Area Network:
A Local Area Network consists of several components. The following are the hardware and software components necessary to implement a LAN:
1-Network Adapter Cards for each microcomputers.
2- Cabling to connect each of the computers.
3- A super-microcomputer that functions as the file server.
4- The network operating system software that interfaces each of the computers to the network.
5- Application software that runs on the server.
6- Network Printers.
7-heavy duty photocopier
Network Needs in the MLB:
There are a large number of specific needs in each of the library divisions that could be addressed by the implementation of such a network.
Maintenance and Network Administration.
This network will require ongoing maintenance and administration. All data on the server will need to be backed up daily. User will need to be added and modified frequently. Problems on the network will need to be diagnosed and resolved. Users of the network will need to have support available when they have questions or problems. All these tasks will be the responsibility of the Network Administrator. University Information Network will provide the equivalent of a part-time staff member to serve as the MLB network administrator.
Training
Training on how to use the network is needed to all Library staff who would potentially use the network. Both group and individual training .
Cost:
The costs of the LAN will cover the Network Interface cards and for the cabling required to connect its own computers. The costs for the server including the computer, power supply, backup system, network software. The anticipated costs for the network are described in the attached table.
