Dear listers
Before we get really involved with worrying about WiFi safety, bear in mind that the Panorama TV programme about WiFi safety was almost universally rubbished by all sides of the science community within minutes of the prog airing, and details of the Panoram team's 'research' becoming public.
Here's more - from a trusted tech sector media outlet: http://www.itweek.co.uk/vnunet/news/2190477/wifi-safety-concerns-slammed
And there's this from Ben Goldacre's great Bad Science Blog: http://www.badscience.net/?p=414
Wifi uses very, very weak digital signals that use a fraction of the power needed for mobile telecoms, for example, and lots less than many other forms of radion telecoms.
Worry more about mobile phone repeater masts...and also ask anyone in the police force about the radiation effects they are getting from their Tetra personal comms sets.
Over and out!
Jon
Jon Pratty
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-----Original Message-----
From: Museums Computer Group [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of John Benfield
Sent: 16 August 2007 16:25
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Wifi in Museums
This useful link just raised a question for me in terms of a potential problem down the line...
There is still a large amount of disagreement and conflicting information about the health implications of WiFi, particularly for children. With museums and libraries racing to get WiFi installed, is there a danger that the government or EU might soon decide that locations with large numbers of children (visitors or kids in school) are not appropriate for WiFi installations.
Does anyone have any feelings on where the legislation is likely to go on this?
John
-----Original Message-----
From: Museums Computer Group [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Nick Poole
Sent: 16 August 2007 12:06
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Wifi in Museums
Dear MCGers,
I wanted to draw your attention to a research report which has just been produced looking at the state and impact of Wifi provision in Public Libraries (http://www.insight-icam.com/wifi2007) - see email below.
While museums have not seen the same level of Government funding for the provision of public Internet access, I know from conversations with many museums that they are either already providing in-gallery Web access or are considering doing so.
The provision of costed Wifi access in cafes and other public spaces (such as trains and train stations) is gradually building momentum and one has only to visit the British Library on any weekday to see the powerful effect of providing a power socket and a Wifi connection for users. I personally know two people who run the bulk of their business from the British Library café!
So, my question is to what extent do you as a museum professional see potential benefit in rolling out Wifi access for your visitors? Is it on the 'would be nice if we had the money' list, or is it something you have already considered and discounted? Does anybody know of any research in this area specifically for museums?
This is just a speculative email at this stage, but we'd be interested in working up some more concerted research if people felt there were a need/use for it.
Nick
-------------[Email submitted to LIS-PUB-LIBS Jiscmail list
below]------------------
Dear List
We have recently carries out extensive market research on Wi-Fi services in UK public libraries. We received detailed responses from over 50 percent of all public library authorities and thought that some of you would be interested in seeing the results of this work.
The report, A Review and Evaluation of Wi-Fi services in United Kingdom Public Libraries can be downloaded from:
http://www.insight-icam.com/wifi2007
The report shows that the UK is broadly split into three sections: a quarter of libraries have Wi-Fi, one quarter are planning to have Wi-Fi and the remaining half are still not actively planning it.
Extending the scope of the library service was the main reason given for having/planning Wi-Fi implementations, which reflects that most implementations have been or are being led by libraries as opposed to IT departments.
With some authorities experiencing declining borrower numbers and serious challenges in attracting new users, it is encouraging to see that over 50% of respondents with Wi-Fi say that it has raised the profile of their library, attracted new users or increased library visitor. That's really good news for libraries!
Neil Johnson
iCAM Systems Software
Insight Media Internet Limited
Tel: (+44) 0870 606 0679
Fax: (+44) 0870 600 6853
http://www.insight-media.co.uk
http://www.insight-icam.co.uk
Nick Poole
Chief Executive
MDA
The Spectrum Building
The Michael Young Centre
Purbeck Road
Cambridge
CB2 2PD
Tel 01223 415 760
www.mda.org.uk
www.collectionslink.org.uk
www.culturalpropertyadvice.gov.uk
MDA (Europe) Ltd. Registered company number 13000565.
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