Research Catalog

Title

Using PDAs in libraries : a how-to-do-it manual / Colleen Cuddy.

Author

Cuddy, Colleen.

Publication

New York : Neal-Schuman Publishers, c2005.

Items in the Library & Off-site

Holdings

Details

Description

xiii, 145 p. : ill.; 28 cm.

Summary

Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs)--portable, multifunctional, and able to connect with computers and networks--are both a fast-selling consumer device and a hot technology for libraries. This timely guide helps librarians and information professionals understand how these devices fit into day-to-day operations and how libraries can become more accommodating to PDA-using patrons. Cuddy provides an overview of PDAs, including their history, a comparison of different makes and models, and a look ahead at their future growth. She explores the wireless benefits, storage options, and valuable peripherals (cameras, barcode readers, cardswipes, printers) for PDAs. Software applications--Microsoft Word, document readers, Web browsing, and more--are examined and discussed. The use of PDAs in collection development and provision of materials--e-journals, e-books, databases--is outlined. Special sections cover the applicability of this technology to special projects including delivering content to users, developing applications, lending policies (both for PDAs and PDA-readable content), mobilizing staff, marketing and promoting services, developing instruction, privacy and security, and more. Practical and easy-to-understand, this manual demystifies PDAs and prepares professionals to harness their portable power. -- Publisher description.

Series Statement

How-to-do-it manuals for librarians ; no. 142

Uniform Title

How-to-do-it manuals for libraries no. 142.

Alternative Title

Using personal digital assistants in libraries

Subject

• Computers, Handheld
• Libraries > Automation
• Pocket computers
• Telecommunication in libraries
• Telecommunications > Libraries

Bibliography (note)

• Includes bibliographical references (p. 137-140) and index.

Processing Action (note)

• committed to retain

Contents

What Are PDAs, and How Do They Work? -- Introduction to PDAs -- Brief History of PDAs -- PDA Comparison -- The Future of PDAs 2. Networking, Storage Devices, and Other Peripherals -- Mobility and Wireless Connectivity -- WiFi -- Cellular -- Infrared (IRDa) -- Bluetooth -- Storage -- Compact Flash Cards -- MultiMedia Cards -- Secure Digital Cards -- Memory Sticks -- Peripherals and Other Uses for the Card Slot -- Portable Keyboards -- Audio and Voice Input -- Headsets and Headphones -- Global Positioning System (GPS) -- Modems -- Cameras -- Bar Code Readers -- Card Swipes -- Printing from the PDA -- Presentation Software and Devices -- FM Radios -- Car Chargers 3. PDA Applications in the Library Setting -- Bundled Applications -- Calculator -- Clock -- Calendar -- To-Do List -- Address Book -- Note Pad/Memo Pad -- Expense Program -- Add-on Productivity Software -- MS Office -- Spreadsheet and Expense Add-ons -- Databases -- Project Management Software -- E-mail Clients -- Instant Messaging (IM) -- Fax Software -- E-book and Document Reader Software MP3 and Media Players Web Browsing and Clipping Citation Management Software Emulators and Screen Capture Software -- The ILS on a PDA -- OPACs -- Staff Modules 4. Selecting and Providing PDA Content -- PDA Content -- E-books -- E-journals (TOC and Full Text) -- Current Awareness Software -- Bibliographic Databases -- Drug Databases -- Miscellaneous Software -- Know Your User Base -- Evaluation -- Product Trials -- Product Evaluation -- PDA Product Models -- Collection Development Policies -- Cataloging PDA Resources 5. Reference Resource Software in Key Subject Areas -- Search Engines -- E-book Reader Software -- General Software -- Dictionaries -- Encyclopedias -- Reference -- Genealogy Software -- The Humanities -- Law -- Databases -- Reference Sources -- Sciences, Engineering, and Mathematics -- Bibliographic Databases -- General Reference -- Medical/Health Science -- All-in-One Products -- Databases -- Medline -- Clinical Trial Databases-- Drug Databases -- Other Databases -- Medical Reference, Textbooks, and Guidelines -- Journals -- Evidence-Based Medicine (EBM) Tools -- Additional Resources -- Dental Resources 6. Matching PDA Technology to the Right Task -- Delivering Content to Users PDA-Friendly Web Sites -- Creating Channels -- Pushing Content via Infrared -- Cataloging PDA Content -- Developing Applications and Content -- E-books -- Lending PDAs and Peripherals -- Unwired Library Staff -- Point-of-Service Reference -- In the Stacks: Shelf Reading, Inventory, and Use Counts -- Research and Data Collection -- Recycling Older PDAs -- PDAs in Archives and Special Collections -- Marketing and Promotion -- PDA User Groups -- Library Newsletters, Discussion Lists, and Other Promotional Materials -- Instruction and Tutorials 7. About PDA Security and Vulnerabilities -- Physical Control of the Device -- Password Protection -- Data Encryption -- Virus Protection -- Data Backup Appendixes -- Appendix 1: Selected Web Sites Arranged by Chapter Reference -- Appendix 2: Selected Web Sites Arranged by Subject -- Cited References -- Selected Bibliography.

ISBN

155570543X

LCCN

^^2005005838

Owning Institutions

Harvard Library