[Publib] Firefox web browser

[Joshua Neff]

That's a good point.

Now, generally, I think that the extensions are one of Firefox's best
features. A library could install the Greasemonkey extension and then a
Greasemonkey script so that when patrons using the library computers look up
books on Amazon, the browser would show if the book is in the library's
catalog. I think that would definitely be an enhancement. But then, I'm
biased as a librarian!


--Joshua M. Neff
Indian Creek Branch
Olathe Public Library 

-----Original Message-----
From: publib-bounces at webjunction.org [mailto:publib-bounces at webjunction.org]
On Behalf Of Beth Heins
Sent: Friday, November 03, 2006 5:12 PM
To: publib at webjunction.org; dsmolen at londonderrynh.org
Subject: Re: [Publib] Firefox web browser

Hi David - I'm a major Firefox buff but often wondered how the public would
react to the slightly different interface. I talked to a librarian who said
her library had only Firefox on their internet access machines, but they
just labeled the desktop icon "Internet" and people seemed to have no
difficulty finding and using the browser. (I even encountered one internet
cafe that had Firefox launch from the IE desktop icon. I doubt Bill Gates
would approve!)

But back to Firefox in libraries (of which I wholeheartedly approve) - my
librarian friend did pose an interesting question - since Firefox is so
customizable, it is tempting to put on some really useful extensions. Is
there some point at which the extensions would skew the user's experience
with and interaction with the information they're accessing? For example if
I were to use the Customize Google extension, and include the feature that
posts links to other search engines, is that intruding in their experience,
or enhancing it? What about if I turn off ads using Adblock Plus and
Filterset G? And on the other hand, I'd be tempted to install tons of handy
extensions like Forecastfox and Copy Plain Text, but then how would I inform
the users of their exsistence? 

Beth Heins

Message: 7
Date: Thu, 2 Nov 2006 15:50:48 -0500
From: "David Smolen" <dsmolen at londonderrynh.org>
Subject: [Publib] Firefox web browser
To: <publib at webjunction.org>
Message-ID:
    <19B04A9C88AD844BBFE8011C7566827D721F2D at EXCHANGE.townhall.local>
Content-Type: text/plain;    charset="us-ascii"

I was wondering if anyone could share their experiences using the Firefox
web browser. Is anyone using it as the principle browser for their patrons
to access the Internet? If yes, have your patrons expressed any opinions
about it? Do they prefer it to MS Internet Explorer? 

Thanks, 

David Smolen
Reference Librarian
Londonderry Public Library
Londonderry, NH 03053



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