The South Australian Public Library Network consists of 142 public libraries across South Australia, operating as an effective network delivering innovative library services to their communities. This paper illustrates the implementation of state wide wireless network from two perspectives; implementation by Geoff Strempel and operational by TBA Library Manager.

Utilising a phased approach, the South Australian public library network in 2007 has 90% of libraries; 127 sites wireless enabled. McDonalds has 33 sites, whist Gloria Jeans 15 sites.

The initiative by McDonalds and Gloria Jeans confirms the strategy by Public Libraries in anticipating the future communication needs of our customers as well as providing an alternative space to meet and work.

With a centralised user database, customers only need register once at their local library. That registration will allow them to access from any public library offering the wireless service across South Australia.

Wireless has achieved;
• flexible access for library users without the additional cost of purchasing extra desktop hardware;
• eases the limitations of budget and space constraints;
• allows the customers to utilise their own notebooks while taking advantage of the free Internet access;
• a growth in registered library users while existing services also continue to grow;
• extended flexible internet services by offering customers up to 24/7 access;
• customer friendly once only registration.
• allow libraries a platform to use wireless applications


With over 7,500 registered wireless users across library services, the new service is clearly meeting a need.