WIRELESS SOLUTIONS FOR PUBLIC LIBRARIES.

Wireless access to library networks provides opportunities for the use of notebooks and PDAs to access library information and the internet. With the ability to provide wireless high speed internet access public libraries can provide their users with access to online resources in the same manner as fixed desktop pcs. A total secure wireless solution requires ease of use, authentication, policies based on library card attributes, bandwidth management, future proof, regulatory compliance, scheduling, flexible network configurations, web based management, support for both wireless and wired devices, and centralised status, reporting and diagnostics. Wireless networks provide a solution popular with users, and give libraries more flexibility in network management. Edited version of a paper presented at 'Places and spaces: public libraries for the 21st century in Australia and New Zealand' Adelaide South Australia 31 March-1 April 2006 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]