Beam it up, Scottie! Infrared beaming service debuts in several CU libraries

Calling all PDA (personal digital assistant) users: Bring your PalmPilot or other handheld device the next time you need to conduct research in the Engineering, Mathematics or Physical Sciences libraries.
Selected computers in these libraries are now equipped with infrared data ports that can transmit data to a PDA.

Users can now look up a citation in the library catalog or any electronic database and transfer the information to their PDA via infrared beaming. As long as thThe Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences libraries are piloting the infrared beaming service this semester and gathering feedback to determine how helpful the service is to library users. Instructions for using the infrared-equipped computers are posted on each machine, and librarians are available to demonstrate the service for users. University Librarian Sarah Thomas said, "This is a creative way to
improve library service and an example of how we can adapt mainstream technology to support our users' specialized needs."

For more information about the infrared beaming service, contact Michelle Paolillo, systems and network support specialist for the Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences libraries, at 255-1038 or map6@cornell.edu.