[LINK] Satellite cuts libraries loose

[Bernard Robertson-Dunn]

Satellite cuts libraries loose
Sandra Rossi
Computerworld
10/08/2006 11:52:06
http://www.computerworld.com.au/index.php/id;1468967898;fp;16;fpid;0

Municipal libraries are no longer as staid as they uses to be. The 
cliche of a library as a solid, old edifice with acres of card-file 
catalogues has been replaced with the latest satellite technology.

Today, many libraries are embracing mobile satellite connectivity for 
their roaming services. This is particularly true in cases where the 
council is providing a mobile library service to its remote or 
incapacitated community members.

To be efficient, librarians need online access to the library's central 
database from any stop along the mobile library's journey.

Until recently, the mobile library could only connect to the central 
database at limited times and from limited locations.

CalibreNet, a Melbourne-based integrator sourced an appropriate solution 
by installing a fully automated, NewSat MVS Series satellite dish on the 
roof of the mobile library vehicles.

As a consequence, at any location in Australia, the librarian can stop, 
press one button to kick-start the satellite dish, and within five 
minutes be ready to use high-speed Internet.

The main database can be accessed and updated online, e-mail can be 
unlimited, as can the size of attachments. Telephone calls can be made 
easily by VoIP and economically, with all calls to landlines anywhere in 
Australia charged at 10c per call, untimed.

Leading the charge have been council libraries from as far apart as 
Mackay in Queensland to the Mornington Peninsula south of Melbourne, and 
the regional libraries of Upper Murray, Riverina, Richmond-Tweed and 
Yarra Plenty. Installations in Clarence and Ipswich take place this 
month and Bega has just ordered its new mobile library to be 
commissioned in April, 2007.

CalibreNet managing director Niall Milton first approached the Council 
and Regional Library Corporations in Victoria, NSW and Queensland in 
August 2004.

Since then the vehicles equipped with a MVS system, have been showcased 
to 23 libraries, he said.

NewSat/Multiemedia Founder and CEO, Adrian Ballintine said the upshot is 
an efficient and effective library service in rural Australia.

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Regards
brd

Bernard Robertson-Dunn
Sydney Australia
brd at iimetro.com.au