[WEB4LIB] RE: The Wireless Future of Library Computing

[Joyce M. Latham]

But, wireless is a good solution in historic buildings, where it may
supplement wired access in another part of the library.

Joyce Latham
GSLIS

Dan Lester wrote:
> 
> Friday, July 12, 2002, 9:09:53 AM, you wrote:
> 
> DB> Can be cheaper than wired.
> 
> Maybe in some situations, but only if complex cable routing, drilling,
> etc, are necessary for installation.
> 
> DB> Fast installation.
> 
> Again, no faster unless problems as noted above.
> 
> DB> Greater productivity and service.
> 
> I don't understand this one.
> 
> DB> U.S. - twice as many wireless devices as PCs (Forrester Research).
> 
> Well, yes, if this includes cellphones and such.  But that's an apples
> and oranges comparison.
> 
> DB> Access networked resources at  meetings.
> 
> Or do that wired too if set up for it, and either requires room setup.
> 
> DB> Enhance experience of users in study groups.
> 
> That too doesn't require wireless if you have wired study rooms, as we
> do.  They're also wireless accessible.
> 
> DB> Provide printing from anywhere in the library.
> 
> We don't provide printing from network jacks or wireless, and
> certainly don't plan to.
> 
> DB> Wireless devices for OPAC queries and other access.
> 
> At this point, I think that someone who can't get the 150 feet to the
> nearest terminal needs to learn how to move.
> 
> DB> Bar coding and other scanning (shelf reading, inventory).
> 
> Can do that with a booktruck and laptop anyway, as those don't really
> need interactivity, though it can be nice.
> 
> DB> Allow reference staff to roam with access to network and library resources.
> 
> All that assumes they'll either lug a laptop or that displays on PDAs
> are worth reading, are usable, etc.
> 
> DB> Circulate laptops / PDAs with wireless.
> 
> No thanks.  We don't circulate any hardware, don't want to get into
> that business.  We let computer labs and Student Union do that.  We do
> software, they do hardware.
> 
> Note once again, I'm not opposed to any of these things.  I just think
> we need to not sound too much like car salesmen or Ron Popeil.
> 
> cheers
> 
> dan
> 
> --
> Dan Lester, Data Wrangler  dan at RiverOfData.com 208-283-7711
> 3577 East Pecan, Boise, Idaho  83716-7115 USA
> www.riverofdata.com  www.gailndan.com  Stop Global Whining!

-- 
Joyce M. Latham
GSLIS -- University of Illinois

   "Strictly speaking, there are no enlightened people; there is
only     enlightened activity."  Suzuki Roshi