Computing and Operational Environment
The library computing needs to operate in an academic environment. By that we mean there has to be a free and open exchange of ideas. OpenSource software and standards based applications support the concepts of open access and standards. Unfortunately the current computing environment at UC is not very hospitable to this atmoshpere.
The System Administration Problem
We in the library recoginize that UC is limited in what they are able to support. We are more than willing and able to take on the support of and development of open systems. The problem is that UC does not trust us to manage our own needs and equipment.
UC trust of us is a real concern that we need to address. Resources have to expended and relationships have to be built if we are to manage our own equipment. But UC simply denying us this option so far preventing us from moving forward with any library initiatives.
The Network Security Problem
Network security, like security issues in other areas of life, has to be differentiated. You don't expect the same level of secuirty at your local resturant where you want people to move around freely and comfortably as you would expect at a nuclear reactor. At the current time UC has only one level of security, all or nothing.
If / When network security could be differentiated this would also take care of the System Administration Problem. Techonlogy access and expertise about technology needs to be distributed through out the organization. Rather than having all technology centrally and bureacraticly managed, responsibility could be moved much closer to the real stakeholders. There is emperical evidence that indicates that the information technology that is controled locally is much more successfully implemented and has a greater impact on the productivity of the organization