Going Wireless in Kansas City: Testing Handheld Technology for Public Library Use
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Transcript of Going Wireless in Kansas City: Testing Handheld Technology for Public Library Use
Going Wireless in Kansas City: Testing Handheld Technology
for Public Library Use
David King
IT/Web Project Manager
Kansas City Public Library
Overview
Project in a Nutshell Current Uses for PDAs What did we test Results of those tests Summary of Findings Future Directions and Goals
Why????
New larger building with unstaffed floors
Ability to assist customers throughout the building
Staff using wireless devices can connect to catalog and databases anywhere in the building!
Project in a Nutshell
Spent $30,000: 25 iPAQs 25 wireless cards 14 wireless access points 2 barcode scanners
Project in a Nutshell
Formed a Committee: Cross-section of library
staff Charged with testing
wireless applications, hardware, and connectivity.
What’s an iPAQ?
Handheld device made by HP/Compaq
PDA Pocket PC Wireless expansion packs
Wireless Access Point
Contact point for wireless LAN Plugs into a network outlet IEEE 802.11b compliant Wall mountable
Barcode Scanner
Symbol SPS 3000 Bar Code Scanner Connects with iPAQ as an expansion
pack Very portable!
Project in a Nutshell
Set up email distribution list
Created a taskforce intranet site using Microsoft Sharepoint Team Services to aid in communication
Current Uses for PDAs
Found background research on current PDA uses in library and corporate settings
Healthcare, Education, Automotive, Military, Hotels, Manufacturing, Libraries
Healthcare
Reference material – DSM IV, ePocrates drug database downloaded to PDA
Specialized Calculators (ex., cardiac arrest calculator)
Patient tracking – bedside notes downloaded to database
Checking lab results Prescription writing
Education
Take attendance Store student contact info Store lesson plans Students:
take notes in the fielddownload them later
Automotive
Diagnostic tools Reference tools (ex., wiring diagrams) Work orders Vehicle history
Military
Coordinate scheduling information aboard ships
Checking email Training and evaluations Electronic clipboards Barcode scanning
Hotels
Real-time status for rooms Manages guest requests Data entry
Manufacturing
Production scheduling Work orders Meter readings Inventory with barcode scanners CRM for sales staff Field service and warranty tracking Time clocks
Libraries
Downloading hours, locations, calendars
AvantGo pages and links to PDA reference materials
Checking out PDAs in a university setting
First Two Meetings
Training session Passed out PDAs Brainstorming on what to test Created an assignment list Created a feedback form for
committee members to report results
What did we test?
Traditional PDA functions:
Appointment setting
Internet accessibility
Recording voice reminders
Note taking
What did we test?
Public Service Staff functions: Accessing web-based library catalog Staff communication through email and IM Accessing databases and library services
Storing presentations Accessing patron records Recording customer comments In-house use tracking
What did we test?
Technical Staff Functions:Inventory and weedingUpdating items recordsBarcode scanning
IT:PDA screen magnifiersLinking PDA to PC monitor or
projector
What did we test?
Branch library functions:Catalog assistance with patronsPlacing requests for patronsChecking materials in and outCirculation dutiesDischarging material
Results
Results divided into five broad categories:
Basic PDA functionality Working with
customers Internet accessibility
and email Interacting with library
catalog Miscellaneous
functions
Basic PDA Functionality
Appointment setting – everyone liked this feature
Note Taking: Stylus entry: works in a pinch Handwriting Recognition Software: one
person liked it Foldable/thumbpad keyboards:
• Thumbpad – no! not much better than stylus• Foldable – some adjustment, but works well
Working with Customers
Roving Reference: Technically worked fine Takes a lot of time to use the stylus Placing PCs strategically around the building
is a better option Placing requests for customers:
Technically worked fine Had to focus on the PDA rather than the
customer Only one person can comfortably view PDA
Accessing patron records – worked well
Internet Accessibility
Only as a last resort Screen is too small for most websites Some services didn’t work (chat
feature) Here’s an example
Two types of access:Pocket OutlookWeb-based email
Both worked fine Staff prefer familiar desktop version
Interacting with the Catalog
Inventory and weeding, updating records, and in-house use tracking
Barcode scanner was a problem… Our wonderful staff was able to
perform each task with the stylus!
Misc
Other unique ideas appeared… Storing/delivering presentations Recording customer comments – it
works, but you need permission, have to remember where the file is stored, etc.
Multiple person use of PDA (like at a service desk) – works if you set up PDA properly.
Summary of Findings
Usual PDA functions worked great Note taking is best with a foldable keyboard PDAs don’t work well as a “roving catalog”
lookup tool Internet access works, but screen is small Probably works well with a scanner for
inventory, weeding, and in-house use counts
Future Direction and Goals
Taskforce plans to test tablet PCs and other larger handheld devices
Full wireless communication systemWireless VOIP phonesWireless/Fiber PC connectionsWireless access on all floors for staff
and public60 wireless laptops in a fancy-
schmancy video conferencing room
Questions?