Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Thing #11-Technology Since we have just received the WiFi Connectivity Grant my new favorite thing is WiFi and the laptop computer. We have put the word out that the library now has WiFi, but haven't had any "takers" yet. We get calls occasionally asking if we have WiFi (mostly from people visiting in Wilber) so now we can tell them "YES". We didn't know exactly how to make the laptop public access--we really don't want to encourage school kids messing around with it. We have enough trouble with them abusing the public access computers. Then a college student came in to take an online exam. Instead of having him use the public access computers, we put him in a small quiet room with the laptop. He was very appreciative of the peace and quiet as he completed his exam. Our next opportunity came with a staff writer for our local newspaper. She uses the microfilm reader in our Heritage Room to write her articles. We set her up with the laptop and she typed her article and emailed it to the publisher. Worked great.
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3 comments:
We have been wireless for several years. We have six laptops for public use. I use my own laptop at the library just because it is easier.
We do have people visiting relatives in town who bring their laptops and use the wi-fi. Our signal even reaches to Gambino's next door. Most people do not realize they are using the library's wi-fi.
Thanks for this wonderful post. I'm glad to hear the the equipment is finding itself useful. This also reminded me to start a thread in our WebJunction group (http://www.webjunction.org/715/resources/discussion/29111160) for sharing stories such as these. Would you mind reposting this (or at least posting the link to your post) in the group so others can hear your story?
Thanks!
As far as equipment for public use, spend the extra $$ to get Drive Shield for each of your public access machines.
Set it up the way you want it, lock the "drive shield", and turn 'em loose. Shut down & reboot after every user & your original configuration is always there.
Want to change it? Unlock "drive shield," make the changes, relock "drive shield."
We've used this product & its fore-runners for years & it works.
Stan Schulz, Kilgore Memorial Library
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