My proposal presentation for using Raspberry Pis to add additional OPACs to the Messenger Public Library of North Aurora.

1. Raspberry Pi
An inexpensive computing solution
for MPL’s OPAC

2. What’s a Raspberry Pi?

3. Why Pi?
• A general purpose desktop ranges in price
from $300-$600.
• OPACs are only needed to browse the library’s
catalog – a lot of the features on a GP desktop
are unnecessary.
• Raspberry Pis (RPs) have a base cost of
approximately $39, and can be outfitted with
cables and case for under $100.

4. Cost Breakdown – Two Choices
Item Cost
Raspberry Pi B+ $39.95
Case $8.95
8GB SD card (x2) $29.98
HDMI cable $4.95
VGA to HDMI
$18.95
adapter
WiFi Dongle $8.50
Power Supply $7.95
TOTAL $119.23
Item Cost
CanaKit – includes
Raspberry Pi B+,
Case, Power
Supply, WiFi
adapter, HDMI
cable, and 8GB SD
card
$59.99
8GB SD card $14.99
VGA to HDMI
$18.95
adapter
TOTAL $93.93
ALREADY HAVE
SD Card Reader  Monitor (VGA)  Keyboard  Mouse
When smaller projectors get upgraded, we will have 2 VGA/HDMI adapters

5. Location
We could
ask Dominic
to build us
a shelf to
secure the
RP and
cords.
ADA
accessible
OPAC –
currently
only really
have in YSD.

6. Lake Whitney Public Library

7. Shaddow in the Library (AU)

8. White Plains Public Library

9. Locking them Down?
• RPs have a built-in kiosk mode that can be turned
on. They can be set up to go right into a full-screen
browser.
• Create a user login so that patrons can’t access
the root login.
• Physically secure RP using whatever apparatus we
use to house the user peripherals - make an
“outer case” to secure board and cords, while still
making it accessible for staff to do
troubleshooting.

10. But Linux! Code! Ahh!
• The Raspberry Pi Foundation, who makes RP,
is all about Education.
• The original intention was to make a small,
affordable computer so kids could learn how
to code.
• This means there are tons of articles, blog
posts, and forums on how to set up and
troubleshoot your Pi.

11. What About Staff Time?
• We should be able to get a RP set up and
configured in about 4-8 hours.
• This translates to $69.44-$138.88 worth of
staff time (VS Librarian).
• This is still cheaper than having our IT perform
the set-up.

12. IT Support?
• Ed is familiar with RP (he has two of them
himself) so would be able to help
troubleshoot if needed.
• RPs is run on Linux, so anyone with an
understanding of Linux should be able to do
tech support.

13. What Else Could We Do?
• Set up a retro gaming station for
kids/teens/adults.
• Digital Signage
• Include a RP in a mini maker-space.
• Programs (run by http://workshop88.com/ -
they did one for St. Charles)

14. Summary
• Adding additional endcap OPAC stations
would be more financially reasonable with
RPs, at roughly $100 per computer.
• Would be “just enough” computer to serve
the necessary purpose.
• Plenty of “how to” out there to help us along
in getting set-up.
• Potentially for expanding to replace the
plasma screen computer.