On Tue, 18 Sep 2007, Andrew Gray wrote:
> I have a strong suspicion that in coming years a growing proportion of
> patrons - and, potentially, staff - will be carrying around
> wireless-capable palmtops; perhaps PDAs as we currently see them,
> perhaps newer fancier phones, perhaps the next-generation iPod, but
> *something*. Wireless access in libraries seems to be continually
> expanding. and it's a short step to think of this as a way to get
> catalogue access deep down inside the bookstacks. Next generation is
> where you read it as much as it is what you read - remember the O in
> OPAC :-)
Consider that it may not be a PDA or phone device. It could end up that
people will simply be using very small computers.
Some libraries, such as the Northwest Library in Columbus, OH, are already
using Sony's UX line of ultra-mobile PC's -- full Windows machines that
can fit in a (large) pocket -- for roaming reference services. The
screens are small (800x480 minimum) but they run the same operating
systems as PC laptops and desktops do. I expect more libraries to
consider this option, and I think it's safe to assume that patrons will
start bringing in their own tiny computers as well.
Disclosure: I may be a bit biased in this matter, as I am currently
employed as a QA engineer at OQO, Inc, a UMPC manufacturer. (Software QA
is my before-LIS career.) Of course, this means I'm extra-interested in
topics like the portable catalog. =)
> (I have yet to get our local catalogue working on my handheld tablet,
> which was one of the things I had down as a really good probable use
> for it, but that's the fault of our intranet not the catalogue
> proper... so give it time)
A tablet PC? Or other sort of handheld tablet device? And the device is
not at fault? I'm curious about why this hasn't worked for you.
Marijane White
Masters Candidate
Graduate School of Library and Information Science
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Received on Tue Sep 18 2007 - 10:57:15 EDT