Comments on: What do we do when wi-fi booms? http://librarygarden.net/2009/07/30/what-do-we-do-when-wi-fi-booms/ An ongoing conversation among librarians with differing perspectives (public, academic, school, consortial, youth) but one shared goal: ensuring the health and relevance of libraries. [insert your own gardening metaphor here] Fri, 17 May 2013 18:44:09 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.com/ By: Cindy http://librarygarden.net/2009/07/30/what-do-we-do-when-wi-fi-booms/#comment-5583 Sat, 01 Aug 2009 02:07:13 +0000 http://librarygarden.net/2009/07/30/what-do-we-do-when-wi-fi-booms#comment-5583 You know, when I visit the Princeton Library (hi, Janie) I am always a little surprised at the number of people using library computers and library wi-fi. Then I realize that the social aspect is what people are seeking.
And, in my library (Paterson), folks who take home $800 a month can barely pay rent – they need us. But, even if the costs come down, all libraries serve as a community anchor – community contact, information experts – and books, too!

]]> By: cwood http://librarygarden.net/2009/07/30/what-do-we-do-when-wi-fi-booms/#comment-5582 Fri, 31 Jul 2009 23:55:15 +0000 http://librarygarden.net/2009/07/30/what-do-we-do-when-wi-fi-booms#comment-5582 Libraries provide free public Internet service whether wi-fi, T1 or cable, however technology service in my library is expanding daily. Last month one other staff member and I fielded 418 technology questions in addition to our daily duties. We began tracking statistics for these inquiries as they fell outside the traditional reference and general information statistics compiled in past years.

Please keep moving ahead @ your library. Perhaps B&N is feeling the heat;-)

]]> By: Doug http://librarygarden.net/2009/07/30/what-do-we-do-when-wi-fi-booms/#comment-5581 Fri, 31 Jul 2009 19:59:35 +0000 http://librarygarden.net/2009/07/30/what-do-we-do-when-wi-fi-booms#comment-5581 I can appreciate Tyler's thoughts becuase as a free wifi "wanderer" with my Ipod Touch, I am finding it much less difficult to catch a signal than I thought when I got the device. However, I think we should also remember that libraries offer a range of services (one of which is Wifi).

Libraries have their competitors in regards to certain specific services, but I have not seen the model that completely emulates the range of services we offer.

As long as libraries use forward thinking and look creatively to expand and improve this range of services, we can continue to be an integral part of our communities.

]]> By: waltc http://librarygarden.net/2009/07/30/what-do-we-do-when-wi-fi-booms/#comment-5579 Fri, 31 Jul 2009 15:23:09 +0000 http://librarygarden.net/2009/07/30/what-do-we-do-when-wi-fi-booms#comment-5579 I'm not sure I get it. Unless you're suggesting that public libraries are only used as free wifi sources/free internet access sources, I'm not sure what the issue is. What do you do when wi-fi booms? What you did before: Offer a wide range of prepaid ways for people to inform, entertain and transform themselves. (Actually, the city I used to live in does have citywide WiFi, thanks to Google, and it apparently hasn't resulted in crimewaves…and it certainly didn't result in an empty or even uncrowded library!)

]]> By: Janie L. Hermann http://librarygarden.net/2009/07/30/what-do-we-do-when-wi-fi-booms/#comment-5578 Fri, 31 Jul 2009 13:35:33 +0000 http://librarygarden.net/2009/07/30/what-do-we-do-when-wi-fi-booms#comment-5578 I had just finished reading an email from Barnes and Noble announcing that they will now offer free wi-fi in all their stores and was thinking the same thoughts as Ty on this topic.

Here is a web version of the announcement:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/help/cds2.asp?r=1&PID=27206

]]> By: librarianwoes http://librarygarden.net/2009/07/30/what-do-we-do-when-wi-fi-booms/#comment-5577 Fri, 31 Jul 2009 11:07:36 +0000 http://librarygarden.net/2009/07/30/what-do-we-do-when-wi-fi-booms#comment-5577 $350 (the cheapest I've seen a full fledged laptop for) is still a lot of money for someone looking for employment. Factor in the average person's clueless factor and libraries aren't going to lose patrons anytime soon. Libraries are still a comfortable places that do not require people to purchase things so as not to be loitering.

… And then there is always the looming and inevitable computer crime that has yet to happen that will make any open WiFi networks legal nightmares. Which incidentally is why municipal WiFi hasn't happened.

I think we're safe for a while yet.

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