A Wireless Future: College and University Libraries Unplugged
- Published:
- Briefs, Case Studies, Papers, Reports
- Author(s) and Contributors:
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Author(s): Dale Foster
- Source(s) and Collection(s):
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Presentation(s): CAUSE Conferences (Archives)
Abstract
This paper outlines the basic types of wireless data technologies currently available (cellular, packet-data, wireless LANS, etc.) and discusses the latest prototype projects to apply wireless technologies in educational and library settings. Projects discussed include the Library Without a Roof Project at the University of South Alabama, the Ricochet Wireless Project at the University of California at Santa Cruz, and the Andrew Project under way at Carnegie Mellon University. The paper focuses primarily on efforts which test the prospects of accessing library information using handheld personal digital assistants (PDAs) equipped with wireless communications capability. The technical feasibility of accessing library online public access catalogs (OPACs), commercial online databases, and the Internet using wireless technologies are evaluated, along with the economic feasibility of wireless data communications. Includes sources for additional information on wireless libraries, including the Wireless Libraries Homepage at Auburn University.