Office 2007 Compatibility at the Library

We're still using Microsoft Office 2003 on our computers at the library. There has been no real impetus for us to upgrade to Office 2007. It's not cheap, and it would offer no tangible benefits to the library staff in day-to-day use. I have Office 2007 on my notebook at home (I required Microsoft Access for some of the classes in my library technician program), and based on my experience with it I don't believe the UI changes justify an upgrade at the library at this time.

As far as staff use goes, the version of Office we use really doesn't matter. We all use Office 2003, so we have no problems sending files back and forth. When we send files to recipients outside the library, they're generally able to open them without any trouble (Office 2007, OpenOffice.org, and even Google Docs can open Office 2003 files). If we're sent an Office 2007 file from an outside source, we can usally contact them and request that the file be re-saved as an Office 2003 file.

The problem occurs when a patron comes to the library with an Office 2007 file and needs to open it. We can't help that patron. We have to suggest that the patron find someone who has Office 2007 and re-save the file as an Office 2003 file so it can be used at the library. In effect, Microsoft's change to a different default file format (and in part, the people who use the default file format assuming that anyone can open it) are punishing our patrons because we have chosen not to upgrade so far.

At this point, many people may be tempted to point out that Microsoft offers an Office compatibility pack that can be installed to allow Office 2003 to open Office 2007 files. Those people would be correct. However, it's not especially easy to justify the expense of installing that pack (any installation of that kind would have to be done by our tech support company whose hourly rates are not excessively cheap) when

1. The number of patron comptability problems is fairly low (I'm aware of less than one a week on average)
   
2. The lack of compatibility doesn't cause any real problems for library staff
3. There is a simple work-around for the people who create the files (File-->Save As-->Office 2003 format)
4. An upgrade to Office 2007 (or Office 2010 depending on when our next upgrade cycle is) may be considered in the future

Where does this leave the library now? Right here:

An Open Request

To all patrons of the Tumbler Ridge Public Library and their friends, families, and associates:

If you plan to open, edit, print, or otherwise use a Microsoft Office file at the Tumbler Ridge Public Library, or are creating a Microsoft Office file on behalf of someone who may want to open, edit, print, or otherwise use the file at the Tumbler Ridge Public Library, please take a moment to save the file as an Office 2003 file.

This step (select File-->Save As, and select "Office 97-2003" from the pulldown menu before saving) will ensure that the file you create will work properly on the library's computers.

Thank you.