Would be ground breaking if a Linux holding an easy to install Koha came to life.

http://www.koha.org/

Koha is a full library catalog system featuring web-based searching.
The link holds several showcases of live library catalogs.

when I say 'easy to install' it should be easy for librarians, not just easy for Linux specialists or it-geeks.

'Easy' is a plain install from ISO or a simple binary to unpack it all leaving only the trades setting up and configuration.

Now, where is the unsung hero to undertake this vital mission serving the public good?

I am not quite sure how this is done. If I look at the list of requirements, I am having doubts how this could be made transparently simple. A customized installable Knoppix, perhaps, since this is Debian-based? Or DSL? That would be cute...
But then again, it is a rare thing that librarians are responsible for a library's IT. Do you know how much this system is compatible and interoperable with other systems? I see that standard protocols are mentioned.
The only reason that I am voicing these concerns is that I really like the system! But I would like to be sure about the bumps in the road.

Thanks for replying; no I don't know anymore about it than the home page tells.

I had a lot other in mind than librarian in organizations with IT staff, but also people managing small libraries or just book collections, like associations, clubs, churches societies etc by a volunteer.

But yes, it's good point that it may need a linux guru anyway along the install.

One of the supporting companies charge only GBP117 to install it and setting it up. Perl, Apache, MySQL.

I foresee in the near future private people might want to 'boast' of their book collection and publish it. Stranger things have been done online like blogs or diaries. Maybe it's just me ;-)

But I like your comments. Thank you.

It is not that that a server with Apache, Perl and MySQL requires a guru; but it certainly requires someone with a minimum of technical ability, and with Linux in particular. Maybe the best idea would be an as-good-as-foolproof manual instead. I would be willing to work on that, certainly.