Berkeley Public Library Picks OpenDNS; Makes it Easier for Thousands of Patrons to Find Information Online
Libraries in the home of the Free Speech Movement now use OpenDNS to improve the Internet experience
May 30, 2007 — SAN FRANCISCO – OpenDNS, the award-winning DNS provider that makes the Internet safer, faster, smarter and more reliable, today announced Berkeley Public Library switched to OpenDNS from its ISP’s DNS service for all of its five locations, making the Internet experience better for its 200 full-time employees and thousands of daily patrons from Berkeley, CA and surrounding communities. Berkeley Public Library is a five-branch system in the San Francisco Bay Area. OpenDNS is the world’s largest, fastest-growing DNS service.
Berkeley Public Library chose OpenDNS because it makes the Internet easier to navigate for everyone using the Library’s free-use computers. Many Library patrons rely on the computers as the only computers to which they have access – increasing the importance of the computers being online. OpenDNS has provided Berkeley Public Library with 100 percent uptime for its thousands of patrons and staff of all tech skill levels.
“Many of our users have very basic computer skills, so we wanted to provide them with more help than just the traditional ‘Page Not found’ error,” said Alicia Abramson, Manager of Library Information Technology for Berkeley Public Library. “Some users don't know what the problem is when they get such an error, so the OpenDNS Guide Page helps them understand why they couldn't reach the site they were trying to connect to. It is also great that OpenDNS provides users with a set of search results to help them find what they were looking for.”
The home of the Free Speech Movement, the City of Berkeley has been a trailblazer among American cities since its incorporation in 1878. Berkeley Public Library’s decision to use OpenDNS in all five locations communicates the organization’s commitment to the individual's right to know by providing free access to information, including information available online.
“OpenDNS guarantees a faster response time to an erroneous request than the typical ISP DNS response,” continued Abramson. “If a site doesn't exist, it's better if our users get that information as fast as possible, as every minute counts when they are using a public computer and have only a limited time to accomplish what they want on the Internet.”
About Berkeley Public Library
The Berkeley Public Library supports the individual's right to know by providing free access to information. The Central Library and four neighborhood Branch Libraries are committed to developing collections, resources, and services that meet the cultural, informational, recreational, and educational needs of Berkeley's diverse, multi-cultural community. The Library supports independent learning, personal growth, and the individual's need for information. Helpful and expert staff welcomes the opportunity to provide quality library services and programs. The Berkeley Public Library -- an institution shaped by Berkeley's traditions, characteristics, and environment -- belongs to the entire community. For more information about Berkeley Public Library, please visit: www.berkeleypubliclibrary.org
About OpenDNS
OpenDNS makes the Internet safer, faster, smarter and more reliable. Based in San Francisco, the company operates a large distributed network that powers a new kind of recursive DNS (Domain Name System) service that provides all Internet users increased security, reliability and performance. OpenDNS is thoroughly committed to building and operating the best DNS platform in the world and to improving the Internet. For more information about OpenDNS, please visit: www.opendns.com
Berkeley Public Library chose OpenDNS because it makes the Internet easier to navigate for everyone using the Library’s free-use computers. Many Library patrons rely on the computers as the only computers to which they have access – increasing the importance of the computers being online. OpenDNS has provided Berkeley Public Library with 100 percent uptime for its thousands of patrons and staff of all tech skill levels.
“Many of our users have very basic computer skills, so we wanted to provide them with more help than just the traditional ‘Page Not found’ error,” said Alicia Abramson, Manager of Library Information Technology for Berkeley Public Library. “Some users don't know what the problem is when they get such an error, so the OpenDNS Guide Page helps them understand why they couldn't reach the site they were trying to connect to. It is also great that OpenDNS provides users with a set of search results to help them find what they were looking for.”
The home of the Free Speech Movement, the City of Berkeley has been a trailblazer among American cities since its incorporation in 1878. Berkeley Public Library’s decision to use OpenDNS in all five locations communicates the organization’s commitment to the individual's right to know by providing free access to information, including information available online.
“OpenDNS guarantees a faster response time to an erroneous request than the typical ISP DNS response,” continued Abramson. “If a site doesn't exist, it's better if our users get that information as fast as possible, as every minute counts when they are using a public computer and have only a limited time to accomplish what they want on the Internet.”
About Berkeley Public Library
The Berkeley Public Library supports the individual's right to know by providing free access to information. The Central Library and four neighborhood Branch Libraries are committed to developing collections, resources, and services that meet the cultural, informational, recreational, and educational needs of Berkeley's diverse, multi-cultural community. The Library supports independent learning, personal growth, and the individual's need for information. Helpful and expert staff welcomes the opportunity to provide quality library services and programs. The Berkeley Public Library -- an institution shaped by Berkeley's traditions, characteristics, and environment -- belongs to the entire community. For more information about Berkeley Public Library, please visit: www.berkeleypubliclibrary.org
About OpenDNS
OpenDNS makes the Internet safer, faster, smarter and more reliable. Based in San Francisco, the company operates a large distributed network that powers a new kind of recursive DNS (Domain Name System) service that provides all Internet users increased security, reliability and performance. OpenDNS is thoroughly committed to building and operating the best DNS platform in the world and to improving the Internet. For more information about OpenDNS, please visit: www.opendns.com
