SirsiDynix Looking for PC Donations To Aid Katrina Victims

-- Library Journal, 10/03/2005

Following Hurricane Katrina's devastation, Sharman Smith, director of the Mississippi Library Commission, determined that roughly 150 PCs were needed by libraries across the state to handle the extra crush of evacuees pouring into undamaged libraries. SirsiDynix, which has numerous customers in the area, is trying to help Smith acquire the hardware. "We put out notices to our customer base and to the general marketplace that we're trying to collect those 150 PCs," Tom Gates, the company's marketing VP, told LJ. The vendor is seeking assistance in garnering PC units with the following specifications: donations must be a complete unit, including base, monitor, mouse, keyboard, cables, and operating system and browser software installed; no more than three years old; must have Microsoft Windows 2000 or XP operating system; Intel Pentium III or better microprocessor; 256MB minimum RAM (512MB preferred); Internet-ready with updated browsers; and FEMA form capable (Java scripting). SirsiDynix customers or other libraries able to donate PCs and cover shipping costs may contact Treasure Stover of the Mississippi Library Commission at tcstover@mlc.lib.ms.us to facilitate the matching of donors to needy libraries.