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  • University of Hong Kong Libraries introduces
    "Library Without Walls" on Palm® Tungsten™ C Handhelds

    MyLibrary@Hand boosts learning efficiency with faster,
    more convenient way to access library resources and services.

    The University of Hong Kong Libraries (HKU Libraries) has launched Hong Kong's first wireless-LAN enabled Palm® handheld solution - MyLibrary@Hand, for accessing library resources and services. This pioneer solution in the Hong Kong education sector went 'live' in September 2003 and is a mobile platform available to staff, students and library users, bringing library resources and services right to their handheld computers. It allows up to 700,000 users to search for more than 2 million books and journals housed within the libraries, as well as allows other research functions to be performed from their Wi-Fi enabled Palm Tungsten™ C handhelds.

    This project is a joint effort between HKU Libraries and Syracuse International Limited. It is being rolled out in two phases with the objective of delivering a more convenient and time-effective alternative for users to interact at the Libraries.

  • "Previously, it would take around 30 minutes for students to search three different databases using the library PCs. With MyLibrary@Hand, the same search can be conducted in only 30 seconds using the Tungsten C handheld, from any Wi-Fi location"


    Anthony Ferguson
    Librarian
    HKU Libraries

    The Challenge
    HKU Libraries is a central resource for research and knowledge discovery. Since its establishment in 1912, the library's collections and services have been evolving to meet the changing needs of its users.

    In early 2003, HKU Libraries held focus groups with students to learn more about their research habits and needs. The research revealed that students wanted a faster and more convenient way to interact with the Libraries. For HKU Libraries, the challenge was to build a "library without walls" and develop a user-centric search model that facilitated the learning process and research activities.

    The Solution
    HKU Libraries Systems Department worked with solution integrator Syracuse International to implement MobileGate 3.0, a wireless LAN digital education framework built on the Palm OS® platform.

    The customised application - MyLibrary@Hand - is a mobile solution for accessing library resources and services in a faster and more convenient way than currently available.

    The application is built on HKU's existing campus-wide wireless LAN; a cost-effective way to achieve the mobile environment it needed. By using a Palm Tungsten C handheld from any Wi-Fi network on the campus or outside its premises , users registered with the Libraries can perform many of the search functions previously limited to onsite PCs, as well as a number of new research functions.

    Without having to step into the Libraries, users can submit library e-forms, access library search guides, event calendars, and library contacts and search the library's database of more than 2 million books and journals, plus the 25,000 e-journals for titles and abstracts.

    MyLibrary@Hand also includes a feature new to the Libraries whereby users can create a user profile, detailing the type of information of which they are interested in keeping abreast. When a new relevant e-journal comes into the library, the journal content is sent to the user's account so they have it at their fingertips next time they log in with their Tungsten C handheld.

    More comprehensive features, including an expanded resource database, will be rolled out in December 2003, phase two of the deployment. Users will be able to reserve books and journals via their Wi-Fi enabled Tungsten C handhelds, view more detailed journal abstracts and access the library website offline.

    The Outcome
    According to Anthony Ferguson, Librarian, HKU Libraries, MyLibrary@Hand enhances the efficiency of the learning process and saves students time with a tool that offers greater mobility and flexibility when accessing library resources and services.

    "The library is an important part of university life, and historically students needed to spend a considerable amount of time onsite in the library to access its resources and services. MyLibrary@Hand revolutionised the traditional concept of a library. Researchers are no longer restricted to being physically in the library. We can now offer students the convenience of accessing library resources and services whenever and where ever they are," said Ferguson.

    "Previously, it would take around 30 minutes for students to search three different databases using the library PCs. With MyLibrary@Hand, the same search can be conducted in only 30 seconds using the Tungsten C handheld, from any Wi-Fi location," Ferguson continued.

    "Students can also stay in touch with the Libraries in either the sync or offline mode. Even in a non-networked environment, students can prepare their database of searches on the Tungsten C handheld. When they next perform a synchronisation on campus or at other Wi-Fi hotspots via a VPN, the results of their searches will be displayed," said Danny Lai, vice president of Marketing, Syracuse International.

    MyLibrary@Hand Features
    1 Schedule Wireless Download
    • allows users to download schedule information (date, time, event info, etc) onto their Palm handheld wirelessly and view them directly in the Palm Date Book
    2 Address Wireless Download
    • allows users to download contact information (name, title, phone, etc) onto their Palm handheld wirelessly and view them directly in the Palm Address Book
    3 eBook Wireless Download
    • allows users to download eBooks in any format (PDF, PDB, etc) onto their Palm handheld wirelessly and view them using their favourite eBook reader
    4 Application Wireless Download
    • allows users to download Palm application onto their Palm handheld wirelessly; the application will automatically install itself onto the Palm handheld
    5 E-Form Request
    • allows users to enter requests offline and submit them wirelessly to the destination. The number and type of e-forms can be modified and extended by the administrator.
    6 Pending Request Submission
    • allows users to enter several search requests in their Palm handheld without the need to connect to the network. All requests will be saved in the handheld, and user may then submit these requests later while they have got access to a wireless network.
    7 Offline Browsing
    • allows users to download the results of their previous requests onto the Palm handheld wirelessly and view the result on their handheld offline
    8 On-the-fly MobileGate Upgrade
    • alerts users when there is a newer version of MobileGate. Users can then download this new version wirelessly and MobileGate will then upgrade itself automatically in the handheld.
    9 One-Stop Search System
    • allows users to make a single request to a number of web sites selected on their Palm handheld. The results of these responses will be gathered from these sites and sent back to the handheld for offline browsing
    10 Mobile Agent Alerting System
    • sends the information of newly arrived materials for their subscribed channels (e.g. web sites on magazine, journals, etc)
    11 Library Resource Availability
    • allows users to search books in a library system and display the books' information and availability status
    12 Administration Panel
    • allows administrator to add/modify the information (applications, schedules, contacts) to the users of the system using a simple web interface
    13 Security Control
    • users have to provide login name and password before using the system

    About The University of Hong Kong Libraries
    HKU Libraries is a central resource for research and knowledge discovery and since its establishment in 1912, the library collections and services have evolved to meet the emerging needs of its users. Leading into 21st century, the Libraries enhances its role in the knowledge community, striking a balance in the provision of both print and electronic information resources, further integrating these resources into the teaching, learning and research environment.

    The Libraries now comprises of the Main library and six specialist branch Libraries, namely the Dental, Education, Music, Yu Chung Keung Medical, Lui Che Woo Law and Fung Ping Shan library.

    About Syracuse International Limited
    Syracuse International Limited is a professional Solution Integrator run by a team of well experienced IT business executives, targeting high value IT projects with unique and innovative value to the business and mass end users.