WIFI and Libraries

WIFI or WiFi [wi(reless) fi(delity).] as defined by American Heritage Dictionary:
n. A trademark for the certification of products that meet certain standards for transmitting data over wireless networks OR

as defined by WordNet:
noun - a local area network that uses high frequency radio signals to transmit and receive data over distances of a few hundred feet; uses ethernet protocol [syn: wireless local area network]

Libraries as defined by American Heritage Dictionary:
A place in which literary artistic materials such as books, periodicals, newspapers, pamphlets, prints, records, and tapes, are kept for reading, reference or lending.

Hmmmm..... well I guess one would get stuck on the "kept" part of the Libraries definition with regard to computers and internet resources, as it can not be "kept" in one spot as we traditionally think of it.

What is the point of WiFi?
In my opinion it is to provide a convenience service to people. I have installed a wireless router in my home for the ease of use with my laptop. It gives me the opportunity to get work done not only sitting at the desk in the den, but also to go to the kitchen table, the living room, or barricade myself in the bedroom when I have those projects that must get done and too much commotion in the rest of the house.

So this gets to the point at hand. The offering of WiFi at other venues allows people to leave their homes or schools with their laptop and get work done in another location. A library is a common place to get school work completed. Although not all school work requires the internet I believe there has gotten to be substantial integration of technology and on-line resources into school work. Definitely for college courses, however, I would also say it is getting more so with High School as well.

Professors will have on-line discussions that need to be addressed, lectures to be viewed, e-mail communications between classmates and professors, the all important research that must be done completed before the paper or powerpoint can be created. More and more people go to coffee shops to have a drink and a scone with their laptops to conduct their business using the WiFi or to complete their school work.

More and more libraries have taken a page from these venues by adding their own coffee shops and wireless. I see it as only making sense and providing a service that will enhance the library as a place where productive work can be accomplished, as well as a meeting spot for the community and a place to browse the shelves for reference, or that just right book. Libraries will continue to be places for children to go for story hour, and parents to find regular books, audio books, music, videos, newspapers, magazines, warmth, and all for free.

Not everyone has a laptop nor needs wireless internet, however it does provide another service and venue for those people so wanting it. Personally I have been known to go to the local coffee shop and even sit in the parking lot and access their wireless when internet has been down at home, and I didn't have the money nor inclination to buy a cup of coffee. If my local library had had wireless, I would have happily gone there instead!

There are many public libraries that have Free Wireless Access here is the web page with regard to just that from The New York Public Library.

I've droned on long enough....more later....maybe with specific regard to School Libraries vs. Public....cheers...