Information Scotland The Journal of the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals in Scotland ISSN 1743-5471 Issue contents | Journal contents | About the online edition of the journal February 2006 Volume 4(1)

Hotspots

On the move

Hazel Lauder reports on the initiative to introduce Wi-Fi hotspots in public libraries.

Five local authorities in Scotland are testing the technology and the impact that Wi-Fi has on library services. The Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC), with support from the Scottish Executive’s 21st Century Government Unit, is working with public library services in Glasgow, Highland, Midlothian, Fife and East Ayrshire.

Wi-Fi is the popular term for a high speed wireless local area network. Wireless hotspots allow Wi-Fi enabled laptop and Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) users to connect to the internet at broadband speeds. It is very much a growing phenomenon as laptop users are able to use the Web at many locations and at times convenient to them. Hotspots are appearing in airports, hotels, coffee shops and pubs.
Wi-Fi connectivity also offers libraries the opportunity to provide access to their services 24/7. It can be seen as an extension of the People’s Network, allowing members of the public to tap in to broadband connectivity and access services using the convenience of their own equipment. However, some users may be excluded from Wi-Fi as they may not have access to portal devices such as laptops and PDAs. The 21st Century Government project provides funding to make this equipment available either within the library or for loan outside library opening hours.

It is possible to utilise existing infrastructure to provide Wi-Fi services although security concerns have meant that many libraries have chosen to provide their Wi-Fi connectivity independently from their corporate networks or People’s Network. Wi-Fi can be offered with a low initial outlay using an ADSL line and hardware to manage access.

Filtering and virus protection issues can be addressed by the hardware used. A gateway can be configured to manage the service and provide information including when the hotspot is being used, the length of sessions and the number of sessions. SLIC is recommending implementing Acceptable Use Policies to manage use and provide the ability to audit use. To encourage uptake of online services SLIC also recommends the development of a portal to direct users to e-resources. Libraries can therefore capitalise on Wi-Fi to promote their quality information services and resources.

Glasgow City Libraries launched Wi-Fi at Hillhead Library, the Library at the Gallery of Modern Art and the Mitchell Library in December. Glasgow is working in partnership with broadband wireless company RegenerateIT. Users are authenticated via the library management system and can access the service 24/7. They are directed to a library portal that provides access to online resources available in Glasgow and the library catalogue.

RegenerateIT offer a ‘managed’ service that will set up the Wi-Fi hotspot and provide the equipment. The equipment provided includes an ADSL router, the hotspot controller and the wireless antennae. The library service is required to provide connectivity either by connecting to existing infrastructure or by installing an ADSL line. The service includes a branded portal, monthly activity reports and helpline support for staff and users.

Highland Libraries introduced their Wi-Fi service at Inverness Library in November. Highland Libraries are connected to the Internet via the UHI Millennium Institute (UHI) connection. The UHI connection provides the backbone for the Wi-Fi service. Although UHI already offer Wi-Fi connectivity to students in their learning resource centres, the public library service is currently limited to Council owned equipment. The Wi-Fi connection is used during classes and for taster sessions.

Fife Libraries are planning a pilot project at Dalgety Bay Library, starting in March. The project aims to deliver broadband equivalent internet access and guided learning, cultural and information services to customers who wish to use their own laptop PCs in the library. This will be delivered by providing remote authenticated access via the ICT booking software, Netloan. In this way potential users will have to become members of the library service with membership providing the individual with a user number and PIN. The laptop connected to the hotspot will then present the user with the same login screen and Acceptable Use Policy as is used on the Peoples Network PCs.

Midlothian Libraries originally planned developing a basic system consisting of a wireless router and an ADSL broadband line. However, in order to provide a robust evaluation a Bluesocket Wireless Gateway controlling access to the hotspot by username and password was added. For security reasons it was decided not to use the Council network for provision of the Wi-Fi Internet service. Content is therefore unfiltered and in line with the Acceptable Use Policy, the service is only available to people aged over 16 years.

East Ayrshire libraries have been working to introduce Wi-Fi hotspots at the Dick Institute in Kilmarnock and intend to use Netloan to authenticate access.

Wi-Fi connectivity offers an exciting opportunity for public libraries to support citizens in the digital age. This project will develop an understanding of the issues surrounding Wi-Fi technology in the public library environment. It will identify solutions and ensure that SLIC is able to offer advice and support to the library community.

Hazel Lauder is Service Development Manager, SLIC.

Information Scotland Vol. 4(1) February 2006

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