| Goal/Objective |
Action Step |
Completion Date |
| Goal 1 -Wireless Deployment |
|
|
| 1. Determine participation |
a. Distribute project description and application form to all
eligible libraries through the MELIBS-L mailing list, at the Maine
Libraries Conference May 5-6, and by posting on the Maine State
Library web site. |
DONE |
| |
b. Assemble small team of librarians to review and rank applications. |
DONE |
| |
c. Notify libraries selected as participants. |
DONE |
| |
d. Collect baseline statistical information for later use in
measuring the impact of the project on network usage. |
ONGOING |
| 2. Establish communication and collaboration mechanisms |
a. Create Wireless Connectivity Project forum using web forum
product already used by Maine State for Maine InfoNet Project
-forum no longer active |
DONE |
| |
b. Add contact people for all selected libraries to the Forum. Subscribe
each to automatic email receipt of all Forum postings |
DONE |
| 3. Acquire equipment |
a. Develop and Distribute Request for Proposals after consulting
with MLTI coordinators at Dept of Education, UNET, other recognized
experts in relevant technologies and services, and participating
libraries. |
DONE |
| |
b. Review RFP submissions with aid of small team of informed
reviewers. |
DONE |
| |
c. Select vendor(s) |
DONE |
| |
NOTE: After extensive evaluation of the costs and benefits of
concluding a contract with the highest rated bidder on the RFP
it was decided to not do so, and instead to acquire commodity equipment
through the normal state contract. Under either scenario, MSL staff
would have done virtually all the onsite work. This approach makes
it possible to provide more functional equipment that more nearly
meets the peculiar needs of each site. |
March 2004 |
| 4. Identify and resolve all general security and authentication
issues |
a. Meet with UNET staff to identify and resolve any policy concerns
it may have with authentication and identification practices associated
with the project. |
DONE |
| |
b. Review security issues associated with wireless technology
with UNET and other recognized experts in the field. |
DONE |
| 5. Train users to install and configure equipment |
a. Review vendor-provided installation and configuration information
for accuracy and clarity. Generate supplemental documentation
as necessary. |
ONGOING |
| |
b. Conduct two-hour group installation workshops at which equipment
is distributed and library staff are provided baseline information
on installation, configuration and ongoing operation. Some of these
may be held through the ATM system |
April/May 2004 |
| |
c. Follow up with directed discussions, Q & A and other communication
on the web Forum. Sites may also call Maine State Library
staff. |
June, 2004 |
| Goal 2 - MLTI Connectivity |
|
|
| 1. Identify and resolve any MLTI compatibility issues |
Meet with Dept of Education staff, vendors and others involved
in MLTI to verify protocols and standards requirements for compatibility. |
DONE |
| 2. Identify and resolve any MLTI-specific security and authentication
issues |
Meet with UNET staff, anyone else involved in managing MLTI traffic
over MSLN to verify specifics of authentication and access. |
DONE |
| 3. Promote availability of walk-in connectivity at participating
sites |
a. Keep Maine library community informed; through MEINFO-L and
MELIBS-L listservs. |
ONGOING |
| |
b. Prepare model news release for use locally by participating
sites. |
April, 2004 |
| |
c. Prepare general news release for use by Maine State Library
in announcing the advent of wireless walk-in connectivity in specified
public libraries. |
April, 2004 |
| |
d. Post web map and list of all libraries involved in the project. |
In progress |
| Goal 3 - Enhance use of current equipment |
|
|
| 1. Establish number and type of interface cards required |
Ask each library selected to participate to indicate the type
of interface cards (PCI, PC Card, USB) needed and the function
of each computer to be enabled for wireless connectivity.(Where
the project cannot provide as many cards as are required preference
will be given to public access computers.) |
DONE |
| Goal 4 - Support generalized portable computer connectivity |
|
|
| 1. Identify and resolve any implementation issues specific to
generalized computer connectivity support. |
a. Meet with UNET staff to identify problems specific to generic
public access, apart from MLTI use and use of wireless with existing
library-owned equipment. |
DONE |
| |
b. Meet with a representative group of participating libraries
to identify areas of concern for them in the provision of generic
walk-in connectivity to users of portable computers and similar
devices. |
DONE |
Chronology
of Milestones