Walk-In-Wireless Past Application Form (Archived)

Past Application Form -Project ended.

Introduction

The Maine State Library has received a grant from the Maine Telecommunications Education Access Fund to facilitate introduction of walk-in wireless network connectivity in 50 public libraries. Setup of these sites, begun in April, 2004, should be nearly complete in June. Should there be funds left over, additional participants will be selected from among those libraries that submit this application form.

The intent of the project is to support wireless Internet links for...

• Computers provided through the Maine Learning Technology Initiative ("the laptop program").
• Computers owned by the library and used for public access and to support public services.
• Computers owned by library patrons.

The Maine State Library will provide a basic package of hardware (network access point, several wireless network cards and a network-capable laptop computer) and associated services sufficient to provide working wireless connectivity from at least a part of a building.  It is possible that some participating libraries will need to purchase additional hardware and/or services in order to make full use of wireless through an entire building.

Participation

Only public libraries are eligible to participate. Shortly thereafter, pending availability of funds, participants will be chosen on the basis of the following criteria:

1. Degree of enhancement of public information access services.
2. Ability of library to sustain and enhance use of wireless technology in the short and medium term.
3. "Innovativeness" of uses to which library will put wireless technology.
4. Population of primary service area.
5. General impact on the community served by the library.
6. Number and variety of uses to be made of wireless access.

Consideration will be given to the following as well:

1. Geographical dispersion of sites.
2. Financial inability to try wireless without outside assistance.
3. Adequacy of speed of current connection.

Understandings

It is understood that libraries selected for participation agree to:

1. Designate a local wireless project contact person.
2. Take part in training sessions and other general participant meetings.
3. Provide timely reports on implementation and usage.
4. Respond to surveys and other communications from the project coordinator.
5. Participate in the email / web forum.