Press Room
University of Hong Kong Introduces "Library
without Walls" On Palm™ Tungsten™ C
Handhelds
My Library@Hand Boosts Learning Efficiency with Faster,
More Convenient Way to Access Library Resources and Services
HONG
KONG, October 6, 2003 – Palm, Inc. (Nasdaq:
PALM) and The University of Hong Kong Libraries (HKU Libraries)
have launched Hong Kong's first wireless-LAN enabled
Palm™ handheld solution for accessing library resources
and services.
A pioneering solution in the Hong Kong education
sector, MyLibrary@Hand enables up to 700,000 users to search
more
than two million books and 25,000 journals, and perform other
research functions, directly from their Wi-Fi enabled Palm
Tungsten™ C handhelds .
"My Library@Hand has 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 wherever they have Wi-Fi access," said
Dr Anthony Ferguson, Librarian, HKU Libraries.
According to
Dr Ferguson, My Library@Hand enhances efficiency in the learning
process and saves students time by providing
users with greater mobility and flexibility when accessing
library resources and services.
" Previously, it would take around 30 minutes for students
to search three different databases using the library PCs.
Now the same search can be conducted in only 30 seconds using
the Tungsten C handheld, from any Wi-Fi location," said
Dr Ferguson.
Built on the Palm OS® platform, the customized solution
is a joint effort between HKU Libraries and solution integrator
Syracuse International Limited. It 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 campus or outside
its premises, the Libraries' registered users can perform
many of the search functions previously limited to onsite
PCs.
Without having to step into the Libraries, users can
send requests and questions by e-forms, access event calendars,
library research guides and library contacts; search the
databases of more than two million volumes of library materials
and more than 5,000 e-journals; and receive updates from
over 20,000 e-journals.
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 and recall
library materials via Wi-Fi enabled Tungsten C handhelds,
view more detailed journal abstracts and full-text versions
of electronic journals, and access the library website offline.
"
We are delighted to be involved in achieving HKU
Libraries' goal of creating a 'Library without
walls'," said Mr Henry Cheung, Sales Director,
Wireless, Asia Pacific, Palm Inc.
"
My Library@ Hand
is an excellent example of how Palm handhelds can be used
in the education sector to deliver
major benefits in terms of convenience and time-saving to
users."
About 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.
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.
About Palm, Inc.
Information about Palm, Inc. is available
at http://www.palmone.com/asia or http://www.palmone.com/hk/ie
Palm OS is a registered trademark of PalmSource, Inc.,
a subsidiary of Palm, Inc. Palm and Tungsten are trademarks
of Palm, Inc. Other brands may be trademarks of their
respective owners.
