A new report from the MLA and Wi-Fi specialist RegenerateIT anticipates that by 2009 half of all libraries will offer some form of Wi-Fi (wireless technology). The report estimates that there are currently about 23 per cent of library services delivering Wi-Fi with 42 per cent of library services planning to offer Wi-Fi in the next financial year. Benefits of Wi-Fi in libraries include more flexible use of space -- particularly important given the limited space in many rural areas -- and increased availability of library PCs, allowing a greater total number of users to benefit from IT access in the library.
A report from the MLA and Wi-Fi specialist RegenerateIT anticipates that by 2009 half of all libraries will offer some form of Wi-Fi (wireless technology). The report estimates that there are currently about 23 per cent of library services delivering Wi-Fi with 42 per cent of library services planning to offer Wi-Fi in the next financial year.
Benefits of Wi-Fi in libraries include more flexible use of space -- particularly important given the limited space in many rural areas -- and increased availability of library PCs, allowing a greater total number of users to benefit from IT access in the library.
Most of the existing library Wi-Fi services are being offered free, according to the report
Review and Evaluation of Wi-Fi in Public Libraries.
The next steps in provision of library wireless services are the installation or expansion of hotspots to more libraries and the marketing of those hotspots to ensure a full take-up.
