Vision to Reality: Applications of Wireless Laptops in Accessing Information from Digital Libraries: End-Users' Viewpoints

摘要

The purpose of this paper has been to describe and discuss the wireless technology using laptops in accessing information, in the hope that libraries and librarians will benefit from using this technology. It has shown the interest of end-users in using wireless networks and laptops in accessing information from digital libraries. This survey has helped us in understanding the capabilities and limitations of the wireless network. As mentioned before, users prefer to access electronic information from the Net rather than use the traditional tools. What helped this is the evolution of wireless network technology - perceived as a powerful tool for getting fast information which will become universal in the near future. Learning and educational capabilities have been increased and costs decreased. The goals of libraries are to provide information to their users. But the way users receive that information is changing. However, by integrating more effective delivery tools with current university infrastructure, libraries can help to attract more students and faculty to access information from inside or outside the library, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Many academic institutions find wireless networks are helping students, faculty and staff by providing them with this mobile computing tool. Wireless networking is a user-friendly technology and, with its speed and scalability in these coming years, will confirm the concept of a "Library without walls."