Not to rain on Bill Drew’s parade, plucky, WiFi Warrior that he is, but a columnist from the California-based Mercury News writes about the surprising lack of interest, thus far, in WiFi. WiFi, for the LoTech among us, stands for Wireless Fidelity, and is a technology used to create wireless networks where people can get internet access without plugging in.
Not to rain on Bill Drew’s parade, plucky, WiFi Warrior that he is, but a columnist from the California-based Mercury News writes about the surprising lack of interest, thus far, in WiFi. WiFi, for the LoTech among us, stands for Wireless Fidelity, and is a technology used to create wireless networks where people can get internet access without plugging in.Some libraries are offering it for free, and many businesses have set up for-a-fee hot-spots. In a study done by market research firm Parks Associates, two-thirds of people surveyed knew about WiFi, but only 2.6 percent of those in-the-know had used a hot-spot. Aaron posted this link about a month ago, which poses that WiFi will be successful when it’s free.
geekier then thou
I make it a point to note anyplace that offers wireless access. I write off the pay locations and frequent the free ones. Unfortunately, in the fine city of Denton Texas, there is a definite lack of access points.
about Wi-Fi hotpsots
The article is about WiFi hotpsots, not about WiFi networking. I beleive there is an important distinction. I believe WiFi willwork in all types of libraries because people go to a library to look for information. People do not go to Starbucks to find information ro to do research. Can it be considered a hot spot if an entire library or college campus is covered by wireless?
That is not using a hot spot, that is ubiqutous mobile computing. Hot-spots are a bit ludicrous to me. Access should be every where.
Wireless in libraries a non-issue
Wireless technology in libraries is largely a non-issue. The technology has been beat its affordable, and with proper planning its not a big deal to secure or manage. This topic is fast on its way to becoming as relevant as cd-rom tower discussions.
vicious cycle
There’s not enough hotspots, so people don’t buy wifi cards for their computers. In turn, not enough people have wifi cards to justify dotting cities with wifi hotspots.
I recently looked up all the hotspots in Sydney. With the exception of two or three, they were all located at Starbucks or Delifrance (a cafe). Not very useful. No libraries or universities had a hotspot either so for now, I can’t justify putting an airport card in my ibook.
No rain today
The two articles cited rain on Starbucks’ and T-Mobile’s parade, not Bill Drew’s Library WiFi parade. Sure, some folks oversell themselves on the techie wonderfulness of look-ma-no-wires Internet. But once the novelty has worn off, a good deal of convenience and utility remains — both for library users and for library staff managing technological assets to serve the needs of library users. Making WiFi work well in libraries, not without its challenges, is probably worth the effort for many libraries.
— Karl Beiser, Maine State Library
WiFi hotspots
Well, having had the joy of a wireless dsl network at home for a couple of years, I do look for hotspots. I even occasionally pay for them. I think libraries would be a great place to have wireless. Imagine being able to search the catalog without leaving the carrel/table where you’ve set up. That would be a great assist for a researcher.
Re:Wireless in libraries a non-issue
I disagree. If it were a non-issue I would be able to take my laptop to any three libraries and hit atleast two APs. That simply isn’t the case. Yes, they are easy to set up, secure, blah, blah blah…..
Libraries aren’t doing it. It’s still an issue.
Re:No rain today
“making wifi work in libraries” exactly where is the challenge?
Re:Wireless in libraries a non-issue
If it is a non-issue and is commonplace, why have I done over ten presentations on it in NY State over the last three years? I am headed to New York City in November to do an all day workshop.