"Linux-enabled back-end systems are in very widespread use for
cataloging books and other library content, acknowledged Curl, who
heads up Medfield, MA-based Enertex Systems. But when it comes to
end user terminals, the PCs accessed by patrons in actual physical
library settings, Curl considers only a handful of deployments in
the US to be real success stories.
"Curl first stepped into the Linux-in-libraries scene around
five years ago, through a previous venture known as Starwood
Partners. The consultant reasoned that libraries would be
especially keen on avoiding the costs of Windows licenses and
maintenance by embracing Linux as an alternative for Internet use
and other forms of public access computing."