Going Wireless in Kansas City: Testing Handheld Technology for Public Library Use

1. Going Wireless in Kansas City: Testing Handheld Technology for Public Library Use David King IT/Web Project Manager Kansas City Public Library

2. Overview • Project in a Nutshell • Current Uses for PDAs • What did we test • Results of those tests • Summary of Findings • Future Directions and Goals

3. Why???? • New larger building with unstaffed floors • Ability to assist customers throughout the building • Staff using wireless devices can connect to catalog and databases anywhere in the building!

4. Project in a Nutshell • Spent $30,000: • 25 iPAQs • 25 wireless cards • 14 wireless access points • 2 barcode scanners

5. Project in a Nutshell • Formed a Committee: • Cross-section of library staff • Charged with testing wireless applications, hardware, and connectivity.

6. What’s an iPAQ? • Handheld device made by HP/Compaq • PDA • Pocket PC • Wireless expansion packs

8. Wireless Access Point • Contact point for wireless LAN • Plugs into a network outlet • IEEE 802.11b compliant • Wall mountable

10. Barcode Scanner • Symbol SPS 3000 Bar Code Scanner • Connects with iPAQ as an expansion pack • Very portable!

13. Project in a Nutshell • Set up email distribution list • Created a taskforce intranet site using Microsoft Sharepoint Team Services to aid in communication

14. Current Uses for PDAs • Found background research on current PDA uses in library and corporate settings • Healthcare, Education, Automotive, Military, Hotels, Manufacturing, Libraries

15. Healthcare • Reference material – DSM IV, ePocrates drug database downloaded to PDA • Specialized Calculators (ex., cardiac arrest calculator) • Patient tracking – bedside notes downloaded to database • Checking lab results • Prescription writing

16. Education • Take attendance • Store student contact info • Store lesson plans • Students: • take notes in the field • download them later

17. Automotive • Diagnostic tools • Reference tools (ex., wiring diagrams) • Work orders • Vehicle history

18. Military • Coordinate scheduling information aboard ships • Checking email • Training and evaluations • Electronic clipboards • Barcode scanning

19. Hotels • Real-time status for rooms • Manages guest requests • Data entry

20. Manufacturing • Production scheduling • Work orders • Meter readings • Inventory with barcode scanners • CRM for sales staff • Field service and warranty tracking • Time clocks

21. Libraries • Downloading hours, locations, calendars • AvantGo pages and links to PDA reference materials • Checking out PDAs in a university setting

22. First Two Meetings • Training session • Passed out PDAs • Brainstorming on what to test • Created an assignment list • Created a feedback form for committee members to report results

23. What did we test? • Traditional PDA functions: • Appointment setting • Internet accessibility • Recording voice reminders • Note taking

24. What did we test? • Public Service Staff functions: • Accessing web-based library catalog • Staff communication through email and IM • Accessing databases and library services • Storing presentations • Accessing patron records • Recording customer comments • In-house use tracking

25. What did we test? • Technical Staff Functions: • Inventory and weeding • Updating items records • Barcode scanning • IT: • PDA screen magnifiers • Linking PDA to PC monitor or projector

26. What did we test? • Branch library functions: • Catalog assistance with patrons • Placing requests for patrons • Checking materials in and out • Circulation duties • Discharging material

27. Results • Results divided into five broad categories: • Basic PDA functionality • Working with customers • Internet accessibility and email • Interacting with library catalog • Miscellaneous functions

28. Basic PDA Functionality • Appointment setting – everyone liked this feature • Note Taking: • Stylus entry: works in a pinch • Handwriting Recognition Software: one person liked it • Foldable/thumbpad keyboards: • Thumbpad – no! not much better than stylus • Foldable – some adjustment, but works well

29. Working with Customers • Roving Reference: • Technically worked fine • Takes a lot of time to use the stylus • Placing PCs strategically around the building is a better option • Placing requests for customers: • Technically worked fine • Had to focus on the PDA rather than the customer • Only one person can comfortably view PDA • Accessing patron records – worked well

30. Internet Accessibility • Only as a last resort • Screen is too small for most websites • Some services didn’t work (chat feature) • Here’s an example

35. Email • Two types of access: • Pocket Outlook • Web-based email • Both worked fine • Staff prefer familiar desktop version

36. Interacting with the Catalog • Inventory and weeding, updating records, and in-house use tracking • Barcode scanner was a problem… • Our wonderful staff was able to perform each task with the stylus!

37. Misc • Other unique ideas appeared… • Storing/delivering presentations • Recording customer comments – it works, but you need permission, have to remember where the file is stored, etc. • Multiple person use of PDA (like at a service desk) – works if you set up PDA properly.

38. Summary of Findings • Usual PDA functions worked great • Note taking is best with a foldable keyboard • PDAs don’t work well as a “roving catalog” lookup tool • Internet access works, but screen is small • Probably works well with a scanner for inventory, weeding, and in-house use counts

39. Future Direction and Goals • Taskforce plans to test tablet PCs and other larger handheld devices • Full wireless communication system • Wireless VOIP phones • Wireless/Fiber PC connections • Wireless access on all floors for staff and public • 60 wireless laptops in a fancy-schmancy video conferencing room

40. Questions?