[11627] in Public-Access_Computer_Systems_Forum
Plugging in with laptops in the library
daemon@ATHENA.MIT.EDU (daemon@ATHENA.MIT.EDU)
Fri Sep 5 20:03:21 1997
Date: Fri, 05 Sep 1997 16:16:33 -0500
From: "Roger D. Gifford, University at Albany Libraries, SUNY"
<RDG28@cnsvax.albany.edu>
To: PACS-L@LISTSERV.UH.EDU
Reply-To: Public-Access Computer Systems Forum <PACS-L@LISTSERV.UH.EDU>
X-Vms-To: IN%"pacs-l@listserv.uh.edu"
----------------------------Original message----------------------------
The University at Albany Libraries are considering ways that we could
let library users plug in their laptops to network connections
while in the Libraries. Of course, there are a number of issues involved
including user support, assignment of Internet addresses, control/liability
for inappropriate use, and identification of users truly authorized to
"plug in".
We are considering two types of connections:
1. Ethernet/DHCP controlled jacks where the Internet number would be
dynamically assigned based upon the NIC (network interface card) address
that is "burned" into the card at the time of manufacture.
2. plain old telephone service (POTS) jacks, limited to local area/800
service only.
Briefly, the first type would serve resident students, faculty, and staff
who already use Ethernet connections in their dorms or offices. The second
type would serve those who usually connect through a modem, either to an
ISP (Internet Service Provider) or to the University's modem pool.
My questions are:
1. Do other libraries provide such "plug-in" service for their patrons?
If so, ...
2. Which type of connection do you offer?
3. How do you handle user support? Who does it? How far do they go in
helping plug-in users?
4. How do you handle the control/liability issue?
5. Where are the available plug-in connections physically located
in the library, and how near/far are they from a staff service point?
6. Do you have any suggestions for what to do (or not do) in setting up
such a service?
Please reply by Friday, September 12 if you can.
Thanks in advance. Please reply either to me personally or to the list.
I'd be happy to summarize responses received by the end of next week
to the list.
Roger D. Gifford
Head, Library Systems
University at Albany Libraries
1400 Washington Avenue
Albany, New York 12222
(518) 442-3595 Fax: (518) 442-3567 Email: rdg28@cnsvax.albany.edu
