Building a Local Area Network (LAN)

A basic local area network consists of the following:

A "higher-end" computer that acts as a server for applications/programs-type software,

such as a library catalog. The server contains a device called a NIC (Network Interface
Card) that allows the server to communicate with other computers.
The network-compatible software that is served (library catalog, Word).
Software to run (operate) the network, including monitoring, virus protection, etc.
Uninterruptible power supply (UPS) for at least the server.
Workstations that receive the necessary information from the server to get a job done
(word processing, look up in library catalog). NICs allow the workstation to "interface"
with the server.
Cabling and Connectors
Wiring hubs where cabling comes together. A smarter hub that "directs traffic" is a
switch.
A printer
Telecommunications hardware, e.g, router, for attaching to the computers on the Internet.

LAN Checklist
Minimum Criteria for Small/Medium-Sized Libraries
This document is to be shared with the technicians who will implement the LAN.
This document outlines the minimum requirements for building a local area network at this point
in time; therefore, it should be used as a beginning point for planning a LAN.
Consult APLS web pages for the most current information about technology and for additional
guidelines:
http://www.apls.state.al.us/webpages/services/ndpwebpages/index.htm

Workstation [Client]
To read more about it:
Alabama Public Library Service's Web Pages
http://www.apls.state.al.us/webpages/services/ndpwebpages/workstations.html
Workstation Options: Some Top Computer Vendors' Web Sites
http://www.dell.com/us/en/bsd/default.htm
http://www.gateway.com/index.shtml
http://www.compaq.com
http://www.hewlettpackard.com/
http://www.acer.com
Workstation Specifications
[Be sure to consider what applications/programs, e.g., Word, Internet Explorer, will be loaded on
the workstation. Check with the vendor or its web pages or documentation to know what
computer specifications are recommended for running the software. Include helper applications,
such as Adobe Acrobat Reader, ShockWave, RealAudio, etc.]
Pentium III 550MHz or equivalent
Vendor must certify that the workstation is compatible with NT networks.
64MB SDRAM - expandable to 128MB SDRAM without replacing existing RAM.
Total system RAM expandable to 256MB SDRAM on the motherboard.
4MB RAM dedicated video memory upgradeable to 8MB RAM total.
(dynamic/shared or AGP dedicated)
Internal 32x ATAPI CD-ROM or most current speed
SoundBlaster compatible 16-bit sound card, speakers with AC power supply, and
applicable software
8GB (formatted) ATA 33 hard drive
Windows NT 4.0 or Windows 2000 Workstation, or latest version

Internal 1.44MB 3.5" diskette drive

One parallel port, one serial port, and two USB ports
104-key heavy-duty keyboard
2-button high resolution mouse with mouse pad
17" color monitor: resolution up to 1024 x 768 (Consider LCD instead of CRTs) [See "Displays"
on APLS webpages]
All support driver disks and manuals for components and peripherals
PCI 10/100 fast Ethernet high-quality network interface card
Note: Windows NT requires a network interface card that conforms to the Microsoft Windows
Hardware Compatibility List. http://www.microsoft.com/hcl/default.asp
Three-year warranty covering parts and labor with the first year on-site
Fully-configured system
Options: CD ROM read/write 4x4x24 or DVD ROM 2x DVD

File Server
File/print, data storage,
database applications,
financial transactions
and scalability.
[Be sure to consider what applications/programs, e.g., library system software, will be loaded on
the server. Check with the vendor or its web pages or documentation to know what computer
specifications are recommended for running the software]
Pentium III 550MHz or equivalent
Single processor
NT 4.0/Windows2000/WindowsXP
256MB ECC RAM expandable to 512MB ECC RAM on the motherboard.
9GB (formatted) SCSI hard drive [more than one drive if economical] *Be sure to image the
drive.
hard drive storage bays available after the installation of the 9GB hard drive

3.5" diskette drive, and CD-ROM.

Internal CD-ROM
2 PCI vacant expansion slots after configuration of network card
3 year on-site warranty with next business day response
PCI 10/100 fast Ethernet network interface card
Keyboard
2-button mouse
15" color monitor with VGA adapter
All support driver disks and manuals for components and peripherals
The requested system must be fully configured
SCSI based internal backup drive
10 blank data tapes to match backup drive capacity
Uninterrupted power supply (UPS). With automatic shutdown, an UPS can do an orderly
shutdown of the server. If the server, hub and communications equipment are in the same
physical location, they can share the UPS.

Hubs/Switches, Network Wiring, Installation

To read more about it:
Alabama Public Library Service's Web Pages
http://www.apls.state.al.us/webpages/services/ndpwebpages/networks.html#Local Area Networks

Stackable Ethernet non-managed hub(s) / switches with RJ45/10/100 connectors,

24/36 ports
19" equipment rack mounting kits - hubs / switches are to be installed and mounted in a 19"
equipment rack
Appropriate size Category 5 specified patch panel with appropriate patch cables, mounted in 19"
rack
All cables must be bundled and secured in accordance with industry accepted standards

Network installation must include wiring, cables, and network operating system (NOS) and
application software.
Testing should be done to be sure that applications are available to network printers
Network wiring is Category 5 unshielded twisted 4 pair cable capable of supporting 100 Mbps
data transmission rates using EIA 568B (one of two similar but noninteroperable ways to attach
the wires in twisted-pair cable to RJ-45 connectors)
All interconnecting cables must be supplied and terminated with approved RJ45 connectors
properly installed to meet 100 Mbps data rate standards
Installation must meet all local fire and building codes
Wiring and cables are to be installed in a non-exposed configuration using raceways, junction
and breakout boxes, etc. Wiring must not be exposed
Equipment Rack - Industry standard 19" free standing open frame aluminum equipment rack,
approximately 72" tall, secured to the floor with anchor bolts and to the wall, must include three
shelves, all active network components including network hubs, routers, communications
equipment, server and monitor with keyboard, and the UPS must be properly mounted in the
rack and all associated wiring must be properly dressed to meet all building and
telecommunications codes. Avoid dust and dirt intake through fans and vents of equipment.

Peripheral Devices
Laser Printers
A shared printer allows patrons from any public workstation to print to it.
Staff may also print to the same staff printer.
HP LaserJet 4050, Lexmark Optra T 612, (or equivalent) to include:
17ppm
Manuals and startup supplies
133 MHz processor
8 MB Memory
Drivers compatible with existing operating system (Windows NT 4.0+; Windows2000,
WindowsXP)
One year warranty
Cable-- IEEE 1284 compliant bi-directional 10 foot parallel interface cable (the standard
signaling method for interface between peripheral and computers that provides high-speed bidirectional communication)

Telecommunications
See APLS web pages:
http://www.apls.state.al.us/webpages/services/ndpwebpages/networks.html#Wide Area Networks

Site Preparation
Clustering workstations near the server is practical, minimizing the cost of running network
cables and power lines. Clustering workstations makes it easier for staff to help patrons and to
monitor equipment. Each workstation should have approx. 25 sq. ft. of space.
Use modular, durable furniture, simple and spacious (computer and notebook space) that can
easily be moved and flexibly designed to serve more than one purpose. Be sure users can easily
reach disk drives, printers, etc., from where the furniture is placed.
Place monitors at eye level. Are lights where they do not reflect on computer screens?
Place the server in a large closet or office that can be secured.
Are there power outlets for each piece of equipment? Do not overload circuits.
Put the server on its own circuit.
Servers should be in a controlled environment with good air conditioning and heating systems.
Plug equipment into surge protectors of 330-400 Volt Let-Through (UL tested); 200-600 joules
to absorb surge; internal fuse; noise filter to eliminate electromagnetic problems.
Consider cabling computers to table with cable passing through a lock-down plate attached to
case.

Management Issues
Logins and Passwords
The server's operating system provides a LAN Manager as a utility which allows
users and passwords to log on to "client" workstations.
Discuss with the technician the types of user groups.
A typical library would have for login purposes the following groups of users-Staff
Public -- Library Catalog Only

Public -- Office Packages

Public -- All applications
Shut Down workstations (not the server) at the end of the day.
User Feedback
Do written surveys to find out how patrons are using the library's hardware & software
and if the electronic resources are meeting information needs.

Staff Technology Training -- General Skills

Know where manuals are kept. Read them.
Be able to turn on/shut down computers, monitors, printers.
Write down opening and closing procedures so staff can refer to them. Know user names and
passwords.
Keep paper restocked in printers.
Be able to troubleshoot equipment: check cables and plugs, cancel print jobs, and change toner
cartridge.
Be able to run virus check on hard drives and disks (a:\ drive).
On Alabama Public Library Service's web pages, follow the tutorial for Windows Basics:
http://www.apls.state.al.us/webpages/services/ndpwebpages/windows/index.htm
Staff Technology Training -- Library Catalog Skills
Perform all author, title, subject and keyword searches
Help patrons using instructional pamphlets for web pac or remote access
to pac
Use advanced searching options including, but not limited to, limiting,
call#, publisher, etc.
Search using standardized numbers, such as ISBN, ISSN
Understand subject heading structure (natural language, formal
subheadings, fiction headings, video genres, subjects vs series for special
formats, etc.)
Understand how search operators function
Be able to perform backup of catalog database and files.

Staff Technology Training -- Alabama Virtual Library (AVL)

Help patrons select appropriate databases for their search
Have familiarity with full text periodical index(es) and how to access from
within (and outside) library
Demonstrate mastery of all AVL databases
Execute printing options (full article, selected text, citation only, email)
Use limiters to narrow searches as appropriate to database, e.g. dates,
journals, etc.
Use Boolean operators and truncation appropriately in a search strategy
Staff Technology Training -- Internet
Use the Alabama Public Library Service's web pages for a tutorial in searching the web:
http://www.apls.state.al.us/webpages/services/ndpwebpages/Webtraining/webintr
o.htm
Be familiar with the library's Internet Usage Policy. If there is no written policy, write one using
the Alabama Public Library Service's web pages:
http://www.apls.state.al.us/webpages/services/ndpwebpages/internetpolicyspecs.html
http://www.apls.state.al.us/webpages/services/ndpwebpages/filtering.htm
Evaluate results of searches, including currency, relevancy and accuracy
Evaluate websites, including currency, relevancy and accuracy
Have an awareness of reliable subject web sites, including medical, NJ,
financial, etc.
Be able to participate in web site development, including developing
content, organizing information and updating information
Know Internet terminology, such as URL, search engine, home page,
link, web site, tool bar, status bar, scroll bar.
Identify and understand elements of a URL, e.g., common domain
names, use of appropriate slashes (/,\) and tilde (~)
Be aware of information on and able to maneuver through library's home
page efficiently, including links.
Be able to clear history and temp files.

Staff Technology Training -- E-mail

Be able to access library email compose, send and reply to email related to library business.
Understands how to subscribe to, resign from and participate in listservs, such as APLSadmin.
{Thanks to the Mississippi Council for Education Technology for a model, Mississippi K-12
Technical Specifications Manual}

Last updated: 02/12/2002

by Theresa C. Trawick

Return to Contents Page for Technology Guidelines

ttrawick@apls.state.al.us