Project
Background
Initial Wireless Project
Supported by a grant from the Maine Telecommunications Education Access
Fund, the Maine State Library provided equipment and setup assistance
to enable free wireless Internet hotspots in more than 50 public libraries in 2005.
The project resulted from a proposal to the Maine Learning Technology
Endowment's Innovative and Advanced Technology Grant program that
was approved in 2002. The Maine Public Utilities Commission approved
$120,000 with which to introduce wireless technology in 50 public libraries. As
of September, 2004, 46 sites were operational. An additional 15 were scheduled
for implementation in May and June 2005.
Other public libraries are adding
wireless functionality through their own or town funding.
Project Objectives
- Make it possible for public libraries to implement wireless data
network technology in support of enhanced public access to online information
- Support community use of MLTI (Maine Learning Technology Initiative)
equipment in conjunction with high speed connections at the local public
library
- Enhance the number and flexibility of library-owned public internet
access machines available to the public through use of wireless interface
cards in notebook and desktop computers
- Make possible walk-in Internet access by library patrons using their
own portable computers
General Information
Project Plan
Wireless walk-in connectivity will be achieved through provision of
the following to each library:
- One wireless access point device.
- One laptop computer preconfigured with a wireless interface card
and ready for use as a public access Internet machine.
- Several wireless interface cards suitable for use with existing library
public access computers.
- Documentation and support materials.
- Some degree of advice and assistance in installation and configuration.
- Provision of online communication capabilities sufficient to enable
libraries to stay current with implementation and operational issues,
and to share experiences and insights with one another.
All equipment supports the 802.11b and 802.11g wireless networking
protocols, 128 bit encryption (WEP) and such other standards and protocols
as offer security and management benefits.
Note: It is likely that some local funds will be required, probably
in connection with installation, as a match to the hardware and other
services provided under the grant.
Participation
Libraries competed for participation on the basis of:
- Innovativeness of planned uses of wireless technology.
- Sustainability and potential for expansion of wireless functionality
based on local resources, including but not limited to local technical
support, financial capacity.
- Impact, in terms of the number of students and adults likely to benefit
from the new wireless infrastructure.
- Broad geographical distribution of participating sites.
- Degree of financial need.
- Partnerships and collaboration made possible by participation among
the public library, schools, other libraries and community organizations.
- Number of schools within local service area that allow MLTI equipment
to go home with students, and the number of students so empowered.
- Speed of Internet connection.
Requirements
All libraries are required to:
- Designate a local wireless project contact person.
- Take part in training sessions and other general participant meetings.
- Provide timely reports on implementation and usage.
- Respond to surveys and other communications from the project coordinator.
- Participate in the email / MeWireless-L (listserv).
