RE:  Polaris Inventory Manager (PIM) portable Polaris system.

 

Summary of what was presented at this morning’s web conference.

 

1. The system was originally designed to do inventory but can also be used for other library tasks.
2. It is basically a “Tablet” style computer running Windows XP and application software.
3. Other uses include weeding, roving Reference, Circ station, or as a general PC.
4. It can perform live updates to Polaris database when connected to a wireless network.
5. A Polaris Staff Client license is needed for live updates.
6. The device supports attachment of a barcode scanner.
7. PIM software is a separately licensed product, separate from Polaris Staff Client.
8. The system also supports mobile wireless operation for use in Bookmobiles, etc.
9. Polaris offers this system as a kit, retail price is $4,479 and includes the following items:
1. Tablet PC with battery and bump case
2. PIM software and license
3. Polaris software and license (we may want to transfer an existing license)
4. 3-yr warranty
5. Training and documentation CD
10. This is a very flexible solution.

 

The main difference between this product and what we’ve been discussing is that the PIM would be lighter than a laptop computer and the Inventory software (available separately) provides some useful library management features.  This unit could be used in the stacks without the requirement of a cart.  I will be receiving additional information from Polaris soon to share with you; and will also investigate and advise on our options and any cost reduction opportunities.

 

Paul

Bryan,

 

We’re moving ahead with implementing Polaris Mobile Stations but will not be using the Polaris Inventory Manager tablet-based solution.  Two systems will be custom-configured based on notebook computers.  For the near term I’ll plan on using a single wireless access point at each site, secured for staff-only connections.  Let me know if you have other ideas about wireless networking for this project.

 

Waccamaw Branch Mobile Station:

 

Funds source:  WNB Friends Group

Purchasing responsibility:  WNB Friends Group

Notebook computer – use existing Friends Group DELL laptop.

Wireless Access Point – purchase new, set up to only allow Library operations

Wireless Adapter – purchase new

Extra notebook battery – purchase new

USB Barcode Scanner – use one currently on Staff / Back-office PC

Polaris Client Access License – transfer from Staff / Back-office PC

Terminal Server License – same as above

A/V Cart – purchase new

 

Main Branch Mobile Station:

 

Funds source:  State Aid

Purchasing responsibility:  Main Library

Purchase new notebook computer – specific requirement yet to be established.

This will become Megin’s primary computer.  Her existing PC with be redeployed (possibly to Carlethia).

Wireless Access Point – use existing, set up to only allow Library operations

Wireless Adapter – purchase new

Extra notebook battery – purchase new

USB Barcode Scanner – use existing

Polaris Client Access License – transfer from Megin’s existing PC

Terminal Server License – same as above

A/V Cart – purchase new

 

 

 

Bryan,

 

The primary purpose of this device would be for use in doing Library inventory and weeding out old books, etc.  If we commit to doing this project, I’ll get with you to discuss networking implementation details.  I’ve experimented with wireless here with a Linksys Wireless-G Access Point and a PCM wireless card in a laptop but we have not investigated wireless in detail; so we’re open to explore any band technology that may be appropriate.

 

A secondary use of this type of equipment, equipped with mobile wireless card, might be in the bookmobile.  There are no plans to pursue a tablet PC for the bookmobile at this time.  However, I responded to Leslie’s email regarding Nextel cards/service and expressed interest in testing with our current bookmobile laptop.  She has not responded to my inquiry.  Thanks.

 

Paul

 

 

I can only foresee two concerns:

 

What is the mobile wireless function you speak of?  Is this the same solution we discussed using a mobile wireless card from Nextel?  If so then no concern. If not, then explain please.

 

We have traditionally been using acer tablets for the county.  I personally don’t care, but just know that there will be an inquiry into the price of the tablet itself from finance or others in MIS.

 

Sounds like a good thing for you guys.  Is there any concern about what band of wireless to use?  A, B, G, or N?

 

bryan

 

 

RE:  Polaris Inventory Manager (PIM) portable Polaris system.

 

Summary of what was presented at this morning’s web conference.

 

1. The system was originally designed to do inventory but can also be used for other library tasks.
2. It is basically a “Tablet” style computer running Windows XP and application software.
3. Other uses include weeding, roving Reference, Circ station, or as a general PC.
4. It can perform live updates to Polaris database when connected to a wireless network.
5. A Polaris Staff Client license is needed for live updates.
6. The device supports attachment of a barcode scanner.
7. PIM software is a separately licensed product, separate from Polaris Staff Client.
8. The system also supports mobile wireless operation for use in Bookmobiles, etc.
9. Polaris offers this system as a kit, retail price is $4,479 and includes the following items:
1. Tablet PC with battery and bump case
2. PIM software and license
3. Polaris software and license (we may want to transfer an existing license)
4. 3-yr warranty
5. Training and documentation CD
10. This is a very flexible solution.

 

The main difference between this product and what we’ve been discussing is that the PIM would be lighter than a laptop computer and the Inventory software (available separately) provides some useful library management features.  This unit could be used in the stacks without the requirement of a cart.  I will be receiving additional information from Polaris soon to share with you; and will also investigate and advise on our options and any cost reduction opportunities.

 

Paul

Carlethia,

 

The attached document shows a proposed configuration for the WNB Polaris Mobile Station.  If we implement using a lot of existing hardware and software, the total cost could be less than $500.  Since we’re transferring Polaris licenses from the existing Staff PC, we might expect the mobile station to be used as the Staff PC when not being used for inventory or weeding.  That would make the existing back office computer available for re-deployment (possibly into your office).

 

Look it over and call me to discuss further.  I’ll be in the office tomorrow but off Friday.

 

Paul

Bryan,

 

Thanks for elaborating; I’d rather have too much information than too little. 

 

This project has been in the works for a long time and needs to be implemented now.  We’ll be glad to share more background information related to specific Library business needs if required.

 

Please provide any details you have about required equipment (Cisco model names, model numbers, suggested retailer, etc.) that we’ll need to move forward with purchase and implementation of secure Access Points at Main and Waccamaw branches.  For the near-term, we’ll only need two or three compatible wireless cards for notebook computers.

 

Thanks

 

Paul

 

Right now county MIS policy dictates that there shall be no wireless access points.  It is our policy because most OEM AP’s do not offer the security required by MIS; WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy, most commonly used in of-the-shelf AP’s and wireless access cards) is easily hacked  WPA is gaining ground and is much more secure,  but even that is not sufficient for our needs.  Locking it down by the mac address isn’t good enough since hardware spoofing is so easy, too. 

 

I’m perfectly willing to allow the library to be the first to start permanent implementation without objection provided the AP’s be a Cisco product, not Cisco-Linksys.  Also, any wireless cards will need to be Cisco compatible (security wise).  I say this because once the county wide implementation is in place, all *rogue* AP’s will be disabled automatically by the networking equipment.  If time constraints exist that this must be implemented before June, then from MIS please get assistance in spec’ing out the hardware—there’s no need to waste money by investing in an AP that will only be unusable within 6 months.  It may mean spending more up front for the professional grade AP, and this may be a sacrifice the library may not want to consider and therefore go ahead with a linksys, belkin or netgear AP for the short term.  The AP’s we are purchasing cost about $400.  If the library needs wireless now, the price may be different as a different model will be needed.

 

When MIS decided to start implementing our wireless solution, we decided to purchase only 15 AP’s.  The point of this statement is that there may not be enough to go around….the courthouse, sheriff, eoc, and main library branch were our focus when we were drawing up our initial design.  This design is to be expanded upon next FY.

 

Sorry if any of my statements are confusing…the run-ons make sense to me but they usually don’t to whoever is reading them.  Bottom line, please buy Cisco unless you cant afford Cisco.

 

bryan

 

 

Bryan,

 

We’re moving ahead with implementing Polaris Mobile Stations but will not be using the Polaris Inventory Manager tablet-based solution.  Two systems will be custom-configured based on notebook computers.  For the near term I’ll plan on using a single wireless access point at each site, secured for staff-only connections.  Let me know if you have other ideas about wireless networking for this project.

 

Waccamaw Branch Mobile Station:

 

Funds source:  WNB Friends Group

Purchasing responsibility:  WNB Friends Group

Notebook computer – use existing Friends Group DELL laptop.

Wireless Access Point – purchase new, set up to only allow Library operations

Wireless Adapter – purchase new

Extra notebook battery – purchase new

USB Barcode Scanner – use one currently on Staff / Back-office PC

Polaris Client Access License – transfer from Staff / Back-office PC

Terminal Server License – same as above

A/V Cart – purchase new

 

Main Branch Mobile Station:

 

Funds source:  State Aid

Purchasing responsibility:  Main Library

Purchase new notebook computer – specific requirement yet to be established.

This will become Megin’s primary computer.  Her existing PC with be redeployed (possibly to Carlethia).

Wireless Access Point – use existing, set up to only allow Library operations

Wireless Adapter – purchase new

Extra notebook battery – purchase new

USB Barcode Scanner – use existing

Polaris Client Access License – transfer from Megin’s existing PC

Terminal Server License – same as above

A/V Cart – purchase new

 

 

 

Bryan,

 

The primary purpose of this device would be for use in doing Library inventory and weeding out old books, etc.  If we commit to doing this project, I’ll get with you to discuss networking implementation details.  I’ve experimented with wireless here with a Linksys Wireless-G Access Point and a PCM wireless card in a laptop but we have not investigated wireless in detail; so we’re open to explore any band technology that may be appropriate.

 

A secondary use of this type of equipment, equipped with mobile wireless card, might be in the bookmobile.  There are no plans to pursue a tablet PC for the bookmobile at this time.  However, I responded to Leslie’s email regarding Nextel cards/service and expressed interest in testing with our current bookmobile laptop.  She has not responded to my inquiry.  Thanks.

 

Paul

 

 

I can only foresee two concerns:

 

What is the mobile wireless function you speak of?  Is this the same solution we discussed using a mobile wireless card from Nextel?  If so then no concern. If not, then explain please.

 

We have traditionally been using acer tablets for the county.  I personally don’t care, but just know that there will be an inquiry into the price of the tablet itself from finance or others in MIS.

 

Sounds like a good thing for you guys.  Is there any concern about what band of wireless to use?  A, B, G, or N?

 

bryan

 

 

RE:  Polaris Inventory Manager (PIM) portable Polaris system.

 

Summary of what was presented at this morning’s web conference.

 

1. The system was originally designed to do inventory but can also be used for other library tasks.
2. It is basically a “Tablet” style computer running Windows XP and application software.
3. Other uses include weeding, roving Reference, Circ station, or as a general PC.
4. It can perform live updates to Polaris database when connected to a wireless network.
5. A Polaris Staff Client license is needed for live updates.
6. The device supports attachment of a barcode scanner.
7. PIM software is a separately licensed product, separate from Polaris Staff Client.
8. The system also supports mobile wireless operation for use in Bookmobiles, etc.
9. Polaris offers this system as a kit, retail price is $4,479 and includes the following items:
1. Tablet PC with battery and bump case
2. PIM software and license
3. Polaris software and license (we may want to transfer an existing license)
4. 3-yr warranty
5. Training and documentation CD
10. This is a very flexible solution.

 

The main difference between this product and what we’ve been discussing is that the PIM would be lighter than a laptop computer and the Inventory software (available separately) provides some useful library management features.  This unit could be used in the stacks without the requirement of a cart.  I will be receiving additional information from Polaris soon to share with you; and will also investigate and advise on our options and any cost reduction opportunities.

 

Paul

Carlethia,

 

On the mobile station diagram I sent you yesterday, the listed vendor for the extra battery should be Dell instead of Best Buy.

 

According to County MIS and due to network security concerns, we will be required to use different wireless equipment than what’s shown on the diagram.  I’ve requested that they provide information about specific suitable equipment including cost; which will be higher than the Linksys products we’ve been considering.  I’ll send a revised diagram as soon as I hear back from MIS.

 

Paul

Main Branch

 

I’ve only tested here with a single AP positioned just inside the Computer Services area next to the Circulation desk.  The signal was usable all the way into the back corner of the Adult Books area but became somewhat degraded as distances increased from the transmitter.  For example, Internet browser screens took a little longer to display.  Eventually, we would like to have full coverage throughout the Library’s public spaces (to support in-the-stack Polaris maintenance operations) but immediate needs are for Megin to weed and inventory materials in the Adult section. 

 

One is required for now and additional units might be achievable if funds are available.  If we go with just one, I’m sure we can find a better place to mount it than what I used for testing.  We have wiring installed in the ceiling in three places for wireless; so that’s available if we can use it.

 

Waccamaw Branch

 

Their public space is much smaller than the Main branch so a single AP may suffice.  I’ll take a look at the spec sheet you sent but ultimately will rely on you to advise.  There is no ceiling wiring in place there so we’ll have to find a perch or wall-mount it close to an outlet.

 

 

Paul-

 

Cisco Aironet 1130AG is the model number for the AP.  How many do you think you will need?  I’m thinking one for each location, but you have used wireless at the main before and know the signal reach and quality.  I will get the quote from verizon (our cisco supplier) immediately when I hear back….thx,

 

bryan

 

 

Carlethia,

 

On the mobile station diagram I sent you yesterday, the listed vendor for the extra battery should be Dell instead of Best Buy.

 

According to County MIS and due to network security concerns, we will be required to use different wireless equipment than what’s shown on the diagram.  I’ve requested that they provide information about specific suitable equipment including cost; which will be higher than the Linksys products we’ve been considering.  I’ll send a revised diagram as soon as I hear back from MIS.

 

Paul

 

 

 

Ok.  I have asked for a quote for total of 2 ap’s: 1 at main, 1 at wnb.  The radio in these ap’s is stronger than the linksys radios, so they should reach farther.  Also, mounting in the ceiling in the center of the library would cover the adult section and most likely all of the children’s section also.  Will get a wall mount for wnb.

 

b

 

 

Main Branch

 

I’ve only tested here with a single AP positioned just inside the Computer Services area next to the Circulation desk.  The signal was usable all the way into the back corner of the Adult Books area but became somewhat degraded as distances increased from the transmitter.  For example, Internet browser screens took a little longer to display.  Eventually, we would like to have full coverage throughout the Library’s public spaces (to support in-the-stack Polaris maintenance operations) but immediate needs are for Megin to weed and inventory materials in the Adult section. 

 

One is required for now and additional units might be achievable if funds are available.  If we go with just one, I’m sure we can find a better place to mount it than what I used for testing.  We have wiring installed in the ceiling in three places for wireless; so that’s available if we can use it.

 

Waccamaw Branch

 

Their public space is much smaller than the Main branch so a single AP may suffice.  I’ll take a look at the spec sheet you sent but ultimately will rely on you to advise.  There is no ceiling wiring in place there so we’ll have to find a perch or wall-mount it close to an outlet.

 

 

Paul-

 

Cisco Aironet 1130AG is the model number for the AP.  How many do you think you will need?  I’m thinking one for each location, but you have used wireless at the main before and know the signal reach and quality.  I will get the quote from verizon (our cisco supplier) immediately when I hear back….thx,

 

bryan

 

 

Carlethia,

 

On the mobile station diagram I sent you yesterday, the listed vendor for the extra battery should be Dell instead of Best Buy.

 

According to County MIS and due to network security concerns, we will be required to use different wireless equipment than what’s shown on the diagram.  I’ve requested that they provide information about specific suitable equipment including cost; which will be higher than the Linksys products we’ve been considering.  I’ll send a revised diagram as soon as I hear back from MIS.

 

Paul