More on Wireless Librarian

[Benison, Thelma]

Besides the wireless nic card and the infrared signal port within the
laptop, one will also have to install what is known as wireless "airports"
within the building walls.  These airports are nothing more than infrared
repeaters (they bounce the infrared signals within the various floors inside
the building) that keep the wireless network signals steady.

We are currently running a wireless network. So far, I can walk around with
my laptop and 
receive email (in real-time) and access other applications running our
intranet long as I am within a building that contains these airports.

Thelma Benison
EIS
E-Mail Administrator
310-423-4894


-----Original Message-----
From: Heidi.Yelk at courts.state.wi.us
[mailto:Heidi.Yelk at courts.state.wi.us] 
Sent: Wednesday, September 27, 2000 7:42 AM
To: BENISON at CSHS.ORG
Subject: [WEB4LIB] Re: More on Wireless Librarian


I am also interested in this aspect.  How are libraries making wireless an
option for the laptop-carrying patron?  Are NIC cards sold by the library or
university?  
And on a larger scale.... could a listperson who knows the ins and outs of
networking respond to the following scenario: I envision an ideal wireless
world where a university student could outfit his/her lap with a wireless
NIC card and access the university network on campus.  Then, he/she could
also go to the local public library and using the same laptop, NIC card (and
guest login) access the public library's wireless network.  Perhaps if the
person's workplace had a wireless network, the laptop could also be used
there.  Would this be possible?  What needs to be done to make it possible?
Standardization? If all of the networks are the same "type" could this work?
Thanks,
Heidi

Heidi A. Yelk
Reference/Electronic Services Librarian
Wisconsin State Law Library
One East Main St.
Madison WI 53703
608/261-7555
heidi.yelk at courts.state.wi.us
 

-----Original Message-----
From: Drew, Bill [mailto:drewwe at snymorva.morrisville.EDU]
Sent: Wednesday, September 27, 2000 9:03 AM
To: Multiple recipients of list
Subject: [WEB4LIB] Re: More on Wireless Librarian


Jim

Since you have some long term experience with wireless in libraries, have
you seen any services provided by libraries that target wireless users?  Our
users already have laptops so lending them is not something we need to do.

Bill Drew