[WEB4LIB] RE: The Wireless Future of Library Computing

[Drew, Bill]

Andrew Mutch makes some good points about jumping on the bandwagon early.
There is a whole literature out there that talks about early adopters and
the hazards and pitfalls of being one. But, that same literature also talks
about the rewards.

Given that, WLAN technologies and other wireless technologies are actually
more mature than most people realize.  The costs can be lower than running
wire to every station.  The benefits are tremendous as well.  Here are
benefits I put forth in my workshops. Note that these are benefits (for the
most part) from just the staff using wireless:

Flexible configuration of rooms using laptops.
Allow users to bring in their own wireless devices.
Can be cheaper than wired.
Fast installation.
Greater productivity and service.
U.S. - twice as many wireless devices as PCs (Forrester Research).
Access networked resources at  meetings.
Extend virtual reference desk to all users .
Allow myLibrary service users to keep their myLibrary on their own device. 
Enhance experience of users in study groups.
Provide printing from anywhere in the library.
Place computers where needed not just where there is wire.
Web based camera to send video back over network for security.
Wireless devices for OPAC queries and other access.
Bar coding and other scanning (shelf reading, inventory).
Allow reference staff to roam with access to network and library resources.
Circulate laptops / PDAs with wireless.


These benefits are from actual experiences in many different libraries.

This is a good discussion, lets keep it going.

Bill Drew