Laptops: No Dragon Wires with Wireless Technology

Purpose: This paper describes the implementation of wireless technology for access to the University’s campus-wide backbone. Setting/Resources: The Lamar Soutter Library, University of Massachusetts - Worcester is an academic health sciences library located in a thirty-year-old building. With funds from the President’s Office the Library was able to implement a wireless network to support laptop computing in the Library. Brief Description: Phase I of this project is completed. Activities included selection and purchase of hardware, installation of network, development of policies and procedures, and training. The Circulation Department manages loaning, storage and maintenance, and the Reference Department provides training and support. Staff monitors usage and identifies policies and procedures that require change. Results/Outcomes: Laptops are available for checkout to students within the Library. The wireless network has increased the total number of devices from 59 to 84 without impacting the building’s structure. Evaluation Methods: Usage statistics and anecdotes provide library staff with positive feedback. Presented at the Medical Library Association and the Canadian Health Libraries Association / Association des bibliothèques de la santé du Canada (CHLA/ABSC), HLA 2000 May 5-11, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Section Title: Growth and Harmony, Part 1: Innovative Solutions to Networking Issues