Smart Cities Pilot - Peoples Network Wireless - Edinburgh
The city has already provided a number of PCs in libraries in Edinburgh for the public to use. This pilot will determine the viability of adding wireless internet access to the People’s Network and procure and install the necessary core technical infrastructure.
The city has already provided a number of PCs in libraries in Edinburgh for the public to use. This pilot will determine the viability of adding wireless internet access to the People’s Network and procure and install the necessary core technical infrastructure.
Objectives:
- Determine the viability of adding wireless internet access to the People’s Network via a pilot
- Procure and install the core technical infrastructure necessary to run said pilot and potentially support a fully rolled-out service
In 2007 the People’s Network project delivered over 400 desktop PCs for use by the public in 26 libraries across Edinburgh.The PCs offer common applications (e.g. Microsoft Office software) and filtered access to the Internet.Support and maintenance for the service is provided jointly by Equanet and Virginmedia.
The service is managed jointly by e-Government and Libraries Services.
- Pilot the addition of wireless access points to the People’s Network, to allow the public to access the Internet from libraries using their own Wi-Fi-capable devices (laptops, smart phones etc)
- Deliver the technical infrastructure necessary to support a full rollout of wireless internet to other libraries and (potentially) other Council buildings, provided the pilot is successful.
Customer benefits:
- The prevalence of public wireless internet generally, and well-established Wi-Fi services in libraries in other local authorities, has created an expectation for a similar service in Edinburgh City Libraries than can now be met (library staff are constantly being asked about it).
- The public will be able to use other library services and resources alongside internet access more flexibly with Wi-Fi (than with wired computers).
Performance benefits:
- The Wi-Fi service should encourage library membership (the service will normally be open only to members), helping Library Services to meet Scottish Government targets
- Physical space within libraries could be rationalised if the number of People’s Network computers (requiring desks) was reduced, and otherwise ‘dead’ spaces (e.g. including only chairs) could be in active use by the public using wireless laptops (and other devices)
Employee benefits:
- Library staff resources might be freed as less time should be spent supporting the public using their own computers to access the internet wirelessly (staff would not be obliged to support any applications on the public’s computers, as they are with applications on People’s Network computers)
Financial benefits:
- The number of People’s Network computers offered/supported by the existing contract could be reduced (with resulting savings) if the public switch from the computers to using wireless connections with their own computers
Project benefits:
- The service will be an important contribution to the 21st Century Libraries services portfolio delivered by the Libraries Transformation Programme
| Attachment | Size |
|---|---|
| Project_Initiation_Document_WP4_Edinburgh_People's_Network_Wireless_2.pdf | 666.22 KB |