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Libraries Go Wireless for Internet Users

Posted on: Sunday, 9 October 2005, 15:00 CDT

By Luke Connell, Herald-Journal, Spartanburg, S.C.

Oct. 6--Those walking the stacks at any of the Spartanburg County Public Library system's branches now may find bytes in addition to books.

For the first time Wednesday, all 11 locations became wireless Internet access points. That means a person with any device that has wireless capabilities, usually a laptop computer, will be able to access the Internet inside the branches and the Headquarters Library.

Library officials said the move would make research more productive for students and others.

Also, laptops could become a popular fixture in the Headquarters Library's newly renovated teen reading area.

County Librarian Todd Stephens said this technological step adds another level of service for visitors.

"This is something that we've batted around for a year or so," Stephens said, "and are just now to a point where we were able to bring it to the public."

The project cost about $10,000 and will be compatible with 802.11b/g components.

Tom Lowrimore, systems coordinator for the libraries, said wireless Internet has been available in some capacity in the system for about four months.

Two portable computer labs are taken around to branches to be used in adult education computer classes. Those labs use wireless Internet connections.

The response from those programs, Lowrimore said, has been positive.

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Copyright (c) 2005, Herald-Journal, Spartanburg, S.C.

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Source: Herald-Journal

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