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What are some physical items that should be available at libraries for people to borrow? (lemmy.ca)
submitted 1 year ago by to c/canada@lemmy.ca
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This article got me thinking about it: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/radon-testing-libraries-9.6937952

A lot of items could work, but is there something you think we should prioritize first?

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[–] 4 points 1 year ago* (3 children)

This could have security implications. I believe most libraries have a computer to use, not sure on permissions of using a usb stick.

Edit: I'm from US, so I am assuming Canadian libraries typically have a computer for public use.

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  • [–] 5 points 1 year ago (2 children)

    You can make an immutable USB.

    Alternatively, they just need an automated 'wipe/format/re-image' processnas part of the check-in.

    In fact, that would make it easier for them to maintain a current image.

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  • [–] 5 points 1 year ago (1 child)

    I was really iffy about this but I like the idea of having the library reformatting the drive after the return. Sure there is still firmware hacks or hacks that could be transferred to the library but if someone is going to do that I think there are other things to worry about.

    And I think the OS needs to be a variant of Linux, really get the push away from Apple, Google, Microsoft, Sun, etc.

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  • [–] 3 points 1 year ago

    Libraries are indeed targets of malware and ransomeware. In Ontario, at least Toronto, Hamilton, and London public libraries have been ransomewared. The idea is nice, but I think the risk would be too high for libraries with increasingly slashed budgets. Even with an air-gapped system doing the formatting, I can't imagine library IT devoting the time to do this.

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