WiFi For Libraries

1
Wi-Fi For Libraries

• Steve Koplan
• GPC Dunwoody Campus
• David FreeGPC Decatur Campus
• September 14, 2005

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What Is Wi-Fi

• Wireless Fidelity.
• Network connection where data is sent and
  received through radio waves instead of wires or
  cables.
• Conforms to IEEE 802.11 standards.
• Routers and access points broadcast signal over
  certain area.
• Source Wi-Fi Alliance (http//www.wifi.org/OpenSe
  ction/glossary.asp)

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What Is Wi-Fi?

• Source http//www.eiu.edu/infotech/images/networ
  k_wireless.jpg

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Why Wi-Fi?

• Increases access and makes computing more
  portable.
• Users can connect to Internet and online library
  resources from anywhere within the library
  through their laptop, tablet, PDA or other
  wireless enabled devices.
• Number of wireless devices rapidly growing.
• Tech savvy users used to having wireless access
  in public places like coffee shops, restaurants
  and hotels.
• Good marketing for library!

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Why Wi-Fi?

• Enhancement of services.
• Ability to provide roving reference services
  while connected.
• Wider range networks allow health professionals
  to access information such as journal articles
  from anywhere within a clincial setting.

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Issues

• Extent of Coverage
• Where will Wi-Fi be available? Whole library?
  Designated areas? Whole institution? Outside?
• Cost
• How much will setup cost? Can be relatively low
  depending on coverage.

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Issues

• Access
• Who is allowed access? How do you authenticate
  users? Secure or unsecure network?
• Communicate with your IT staff/ department about
  all aspects of setup and use!

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GPC Wi-Fi Experience

• Wireless access in all libraries provided by
  college computing department.
• Plan to eventually make all college spaces
  wireless accessible.
• Marked increase in personal laptop use in all
  library areas.
• Printing from wireless network makes completing
  assignments easy.

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GPC Wi-Fi Experience

• Wireless laptops available to checkout for
  in-library use on Decatur Campus.
• Allows increased computing access in small
  physical space.
• Trials of roaming reference with tablet PC on
  Clarkston campus.

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Questions? Comments?

• Steve Koplanskoplan_at_gpc.edu
• David Freedfree_at_gpc.edu

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Sources/ Further Information

• Barnett-Ellis, Paula and Laurie Charnigo.
  Wireless Networks in Medium-sized Academic
  Libraries. Information Technology and Libraries.
  24 (2005) 13-21.
• Breeding, Marshall. The Benefits of Wireless
  Technologies. Information Today. 19 (2002)
  42-3.
• Creating A Wireless Network. Wi-Fi Alliance.
  http//www.wifi.org/OpenSection/design.asp
• Drew, Wilfred. Wireless Networks New Meaning to
  Ubiquitous Computing. Journal of Academic
  Librarianship. 29 (2003) 102-6.
• Gossner, Cliff. Lighting Up Your Library with
  Wi-Fi While Keeping It Safe. Feliciter. 50
  (2004) 261-2.
• Schmidt, Aaron. The Top Ten. Library Journal
  Netconnect. Winter 2005 32.