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
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Going Wireless in Kansas City: Testing Handheld Technology
for Public Library Use
David King
IT/Web Project Manager
Kansas City Public Library
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Overview
Project in a Nutshell Current Uses for PDAs What did we test Results of those tests Summary of Findings Future Directions and Goals
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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!
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Project in a Nutshell
Spent $30,000: 25 iPAQs 25 wireless cards 14 wireless access points 2 barcode scanners
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Project in a Nutshell
Formed a Committee: Cross-section of library
staff Charged with testing
wireless applications, hardware, and connectivity.
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What’s an iPAQ?
Handheld device made by HP/Compaq
PDA Pocket PC Wireless expansion packs
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Wireless Access Point
Contact point for wireless LAN Plugs into a network outlet IEEE 802.11b compliant Wall mountable
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Barcode Scanner
Symbol SPS 3000 Bar Code Scanner Connects with iPAQ as an expansion
pack Very portable!
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Project in a Nutshell
Set up email distribution list
Created a taskforce intranet site using Microsoft Sharepoint Team Services to aid in communication
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Current Uses for PDAs
Found background research on current PDA uses in library and corporate settings
Healthcare, Education, Automotive, Military, Hotels, Manufacturing, Libraries
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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
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Education
Take attendance Store student contact info Store lesson plans Students:
take notes in the fielddownload them later
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Automotive
Diagnostic tools Reference tools (ex., wiring diagrams) Work orders Vehicle history
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Military
Coordinate scheduling information aboard ships
Checking email Training and evaluations Electronic clipboards Barcode scanning
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Hotels
Real-time status for rooms Manages guest requests Data entry
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Manufacturing
Production scheduling Work orders Meter readings Inventory with barcode scanners CRM for sales staff Field service and warranty tracking Time clocks
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Libraries
Downloading hours, locations, calendars
AvantGo pages and links to PDA reference materials
Checking out PDAs in a university setting
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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
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What did we test?
Traditional PDA functions:
Appointment setting
Internet accessibility
Recording voice reminders
Note taking
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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
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What did we test?
Technical Staff Functions:Inventory and weedingUpdating items recordsBarcode scanning
IT:PDA screen magnifiersLinking PDA to PC monitor or
projector
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What did we test?
Branch library functions:Catalog assistance with patronsPlacing requests for patronsChecking materials in and outCirculation dutiesDischarging material
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Results
Results divided into five broad categories:
Basic PDA functionality Working with
customers Internet accessibility
and email Interacting with library
catalog Miscellaneous
functions
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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
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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
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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
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Two types of access:Pocket OutlookWeb-based email
Both worked fine Staff prefer familiar desktop version
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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!
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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.
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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
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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
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Questions?