|
Several technologies have been used to enable mobile libraries to have on-line
access to their Library Management System or the Internet: Here are a few of the
options currently available or being tested. The following information is
suitable as a guide only, and has been compiled by UMRL staff with contributions
from other library services. Please contact the libraries or suppliers mentioned for
more details.
Some of the telecommunication technologies in use or under trial are:
*The last three options require fixed locations, but the first two are truly
mobile.
A self positioning satellite dish is installed on top of the truck and is
able to connect to the Internet at any location provided there is not a physical
barrier in the direction of the satellite. Broadband systems are available. See
Mobile Satellite presentation by UMRL for
details of one library service's experience with this type of system.
Advantages:
- No land line needed.
- Sets up quickly (less than minutes for satellite dish to automatically
lock-onto satellite)
- Broadband speeds
- Reasonable ongoing charges. Affordable unlimited plans available.
- Included wireless network option for LAN in truck which is easy to setup.
- Additional equipment located in truck in durable box.
Disadvantages:
- Expensive to install (can be over $30,000)
- Physical barriers such as, mountains, trees and buildings can prevent
connections to satellite.
- Adds height to truck (Pod
dimensions114cm W x 155cm L x 35cm H. Weight 75Kg).
- Additional space required in truck for equipment (approx 40cmH x 55cmW x
55cm D)
Advantages
- No land line needed. (No phone needed)
- Inexpensive to install (< $1000). Can be bought on plan similar to
mobile phone plan.
- Fast connection speed.
- Truly mobile (provided mobile phone network is within range).
- Ongoing data usage plans can be affordable, different access plans to
choose from which charge by data or time on-line*. (*Time on-line
(hourly) plans may have been phased out)
- Easy and inexpensive to install (similar to installing a modem)
- Unit is tiny (external model is 95x54x5mm)
- External antennae available (with USB modem)
- Fax, SMS and voice call capable.
- Portable
Disadvantages
- Limited by distance, line-of-sight and signal strength of mobile phone
network.
Broadband speed but only at fixed locations. Wide range of plans, can
be very affordable. Excellent speeds available. Variety of ISPs (Internet
Service Providers) available.
Advantages
- Fast - true broadband speeds - up to 2mb
- Can be cheap - dependant upon ISP plan and speed
- More telephone exchanges are being enabled for ADSL**
- Variety of ISPs available
- Uses existing phone line (provided it is ADSL enabled)
- Cheap to install
- Minimal equipment required and inexpensive
Disadvantages
- Not mobile -connect at fixed locations only
- Not available everywhere - dependant upon exchange being enabled for
ADSL**
- Limited by distance from telephone exchange (approx. 5 km limit)
- My not know if it is available until line is tested. Initial testing only
determines exchange capability.
Can be a reliable and affordable option but can only be installed at fixed
locations. Cheaper options available (see Telstra's ISDN 2 enhanced) Speeds
of 64 - 128kpbs. ISDN service provided by Telstra but can use variety of ISPs
(Internet Service Providers).
Advantages
- Widely available
- Can be inexpensive***
- Faster than dialup - provides workable speed (depending on load and tasks)
Disadvantages
- Not mobile -connect at fixed locations only
- A connection is needed at each mobile stop***
- Not true broadband
Can only be installed at fixed locations. Speed usually unsuitable for
Library Management Systems. Cheap. Only need modem, phone line and ISP (Internet
Service Provider).
| 
