Going Wireless in Kansas City: Testing Handheld Technology

for Public Library Use

David King

IT/Web Project Manager

Kansas City Public Library

Overview

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

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!

Project in a Nutshell

Spent $30,000: 25 iPAQs 25 wireless cards 14 wireless access points 2 barcode scanners

Project in a Nutshell

Formed a Committee: Cross-section of library

staff Charged with testing

wireless applications, hardware, and connectivity.

What’s an iPAQ?

Handheld device made by HP/Compaq

PDA Pocket PC Wireless expansion packs

Wireless Access Point

Contact point for wireless LAN Plugs into a network outlet IEEE 802.11b compliant Wall mountable

Barcode Scanner

Symbol SPS 3000 Bar Code Scanner Connects with iPAQ as an expansion

pack Very portable!

Project in a Nutshell

Set up email distribution list

Created a taskforce intranet site using Microsoft Sharepoint Team Services to aid in communication

Current Uses for PDAs

Found background research on current PDA uses in library and corporate settings

Healthcare, Education, Automotive, Military, Hotels, Manufacturing, Libraries

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

Education

Take attendance Store student contact info Store lesson plans Students:

take notes in the fielddownload them later

Automotive

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

Military

Coordinate scheduling information aboard ships

Checking email Training and evaluations Electronic clipboards Barcode scanning

Hotels

Real-time status for rooms Manages guest requests Data entry

Manufacturing

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

Libraries

Downloading hours, locations, calendars

AvantGo pages and links to PDA reference materials

Checking out PDAs in a university setting

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

What did we test?

Traditional PDA functions:

Appointment setting

Internet accessibility

Recording voice reminders

Note taking

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

What did we test?

Technical Staff Functions:Inventory and weedingUpdating items recordsBarcode scanning

IT:PDA screen magnifiersLinking PDA to PC monitor or

projector

What did we test?

Branch library functions:Catalog assistance with patronsPlacing requests for patronsChecking materials in and outCirculation dutiesDischarging material

Results

Results divided into five broad categories:

Basic PDA functionality Working with

customers Internet accessibility

and email Interacting with library

catalog Miscellaneous

functions

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

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

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

Email

Two types of access:Pocket OutlookWeb-based email

Both worked fine Staff prefer familiar desktop version

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!

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.

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

Future Direction and Goals

Taskforce plans to test tablet PCs and other larger handheld devices

Full wireless communication systemWireless VOIP phonesWireless/Fiber PC connectionsWireless access on all floors for staff

and public60 wireless laptops in a fancy-

schmancy video conferencing room

Questions?