June 24, 2007American Library Association

Larry P. Neal

Timeless Tech Tips• Develop a risk tolerant environment• Avoid technolust• Consider your population• Involve all staff in planning• Play with technology• Consider sustainability and maintenance issues• In marketing, focus on the functionality• Offer training for staff and patrons• Assess, then assess again• Be willing to switch gears “

-- “ The Evolving Library” by Meredith Farkas, American Libraries June/July 2007 (free copies usually in AL exhibit: booth 2615)

Wireless Access for PublicRelated terms:

Hot spotsWiFiAccess points

Allows customers to gain access to the Internet via their own equipment such as a laptop

54.2% of U.S. public libraries offer wireless access, up 17% from three years ago.

--Public Library Funding & Technology Access study 2007

RequirementsWireless access points at the center of each

150’ coverage circleLocal area network cable to each access

pointPower (can be over the network cable or

power outlet)Internet connection

BenefitsProvides a service that is increasingly

expected by the publicAllows users to provide their own equipmentExpands Internet access at the library

without having to offer additional computer stations

InexpensiveEasy to implement

Questions to AskCan your staff network be secured?Can you regulate bandwidth usage?Do you have power outlets readily available

for personal laptops?Do you have the staff to answer users’

technical questions?Can customers print using their own

equipment?

Policy IssuesDo your current behavior and Internet access

policies extend to customer-provided equipment?

Are there laws that you must comply with for the library’s computers, e.g., filtering?

Should wireless service be limited to customers whose accounts are in good standing?

Further InformationVisit your library automation vendor’s booth

in the Exhibits for productsWebJunction has excellent resources on this

topic (www.webjunction.org)

Radio Frequency IdentificationCommonly called RFIDIs a computer chip with an integrated

antenna often referred to as an “RFID tag”Used to assign a unique number to an item May be used for security

RFIDDoes not replace “bar code numbers”

A printed number tag is still required for human readability

A bar code stripe is desirable for Quicker input for programming the RFID tags Cheaper, smaller readers at non-circulation desks Backward compatibility with older hardware Usability if the book is loaned to another library

without RFID or without the same RFID system

The DreamsCustomers select their items, walk out the

door and things are checked out on their accounts automatically

Press a button and the inventory of your entire building is complete

One tag identifies and secures an item reliably

The Good RealitiesIt works very well for self-check circulationIt works well with automated materials

handling systemsIt gives the library a high-tech look and feel

to the communityVendors are developing better products at

lower costs

The Bad Realities• Poor signal performance with CDs, DVDs and

books with metallic covers• Poor security in general, especially audiovisual• Proprietary products still rule (software and

hardware)• Proprietary implementations of ISO 15693

standards• High cost (tags, gates, readers, upgrades)• Long-term durability is uncertain• Privacy concerns• Problem items – puppets, multiple disc sets

When to ConsiderIf striving for a high usage of self-checkout

stationsIf building a new facility with a new “opening

day” collectionIf implementing an automated materials

handling system

Further InformationSeveral vendors/resellers are at ALA exhibits

3M, Checkpoint, Frich Corp, Libramation, Tech Logic, etc.

Public Library Association’s Tech Notes (www.pla.org)

Voice over Internet ProtocolCommonly known as Voice over IP, VoIP or IP

telephonyTwo major opportunities for use:

Internal phone system (replacing PBX systems)Broadband phone service (replacing the public

switched telephone network, such as Vonage and Skype)

BenefitsMore efficiently uses telecommunications

connections by combining voice and data traffic

Reduces/eliminates the need for separate cabling runs for phones

Can reduce phone charges

IssuesQuality can be poorer than traditional phone

circuitsPower failures can disrupt serviceReported problems with analog devices such

as fax machines and credit card readersAdds complexity to the network requiring a

higher skill set for technology staff

Technology, Trustees and Advocacy“Education will promote safe use of the

Internet, not laws blocking access.”--Illinois Library Association’s NetSafe initiative

www.ila.org/netsafe

Deleting Online Predator’s ActSocial Networking Website Prohibition Act

(IL)

E-rateAlso referred to as “universal service fund”Discounts on phone, Internet and internal

connectionsBased on urban/rural designation and school

lunch discountsHas been in effect for 10 years

Pros and ConsCan offer substantial savings on

communications, up to 90%Is a complicated, drawn out processGrant funds earned can be outspent by time

in applyingLegislation has been tied to releasing funding

(CIPA and possibly DOPA)

Serving the Next GenerationTechnology topics your library should be

discussing:Social networking

Face Book, Second Life, My Space

Instant messaging customer serviceGamingSee Out Front with Stephen Abram: A Guide

for Information Leaders in the ALA Book Store