WebJunction

Is the time ripe for smaller libraries to think about providing patrons with wireless Internet access?  When we posed that question to WebJunction members in 2005, over 100 (!) of you responded, saying "Yes, it's time!"  Dozens of libraries wrote to say that they are on the point of putting wireless computing in place, and many have already done so.  This month's focus pulls together the best practices you sent, and offers some answers to your questions.

The centerpiece of the focus is Ten Steps to Wireless Internet Access in Your Library. This annotated list, put together by guest editor Erin Hawk, walks you through the process of evaluating, purchasing, setting up, and supporting wireless internet access.  Each of the steps has a pointer to a more detailed article in our Wireless Networking section.  And wireless and security experts Marshall Breeding and Randy Nelson walked their online audience through the Ten Steps plus a security tour as well as answers to questions in this archived recording of our live event. You can also walk yourself through the PowerPoint slides from the presentation --Randy's overview of the Ten Steps and Marshall's Security Issues.

A second important piece is a collection of Wireless Success Stories that summarizes the best ideas sent in by members, including links to a number of individual tales from across North America.

• WebJunction's Community Partners have been instrumental in putting this focus together, in particular:
  • WJ partner Arizona contributed this article about IMLS grants to libraries in the state to develop wireless capabilities.
  • WJ partner Vermont is the home of a featured Library of the Month, the Stowe Free Library, which is—naturally—another wireless story.
  • Connecticut, another WJ partner, contributed an impressive list of libraries who have implemented wireless;  we've included it as part of our Wireless Success Stories article.

• Security and safety were high on everyone's list of concerns about implementing wireless, so we've put together a set of wireless security and safety resources.  Not finding answers to your questions?  Get involved in our wireless computing discussions.
• WebJunction's Technology Watch committee has put together this summary of wireless computing issues.

Another significant aspect of wireless computing that libraries would do well to keep their eyes on is the movement to make wireless generally available to whole communities at once.  Esme Vos's MuniWireless.com is a great place to keep up on what's happening.  Here are articles about libraries and municipal wireless in South Bend, Indiana, and Cleveland.  The Digital Divide Network is another important resource, with thoughtful articles like this one.

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