In order to remain a leader in providing IT-rich library resources, the Libraries must dedicate significant recourses to replace aging workstations. The general rule of thumb is that computers have a 3-5 year life span.
Many variables affect the life span, or usefulness, of a given computer.
The Libraries has approximately 650 desktop and laptop computers that were purchased between 1979 and 1998. The majority of these machines has reached or is very near the end of their expected useful life span. Many are running software that is three or four generations old. The Y2K bug will affect some of these machines. Some replacement activity has occurred in the last two years but Libraries departments have been reluctant to give up old machines because of the need for additional keyboards.