The New York State Nurses Association is a multi-purposed professional association with a membership base of over 36,000 nurses. We participate in a variety of library networks which for practical purposes makes us ‘open to the public’ for a wide variety of users. Over 10 years ago the initial design and construction of the library’s computer network was integrated into an association wide network. At that time issues related to security were not of major importance. However, as the library has expanded its user base and access to a variety of databases, security has become a major concern. The current network configuration allows library users inappropriate access to association proprietary information, as well as, potential harm to the network.

The grant was intended to acquire wireless equipment (PCs and printer) that would remove computers used by the ‘public’ from the association’s network and add them to the wireless network designed for outside users who attend various meetings and workshops at the facility. The grant application process was eased by NNLM staff assistance. Our only bump in the road was the delivery of a partial equipment order resulting in a small delay in replacing all the older equipment. All users have commented on the increased speed and better aesthetics of replacing the older PCs with wires everywhere. Library staff stress levels have also decreased slightly as we worry less when someone use and external drive on a PC since only a single PC may be affected by a problem rather than crashing an association wide, multi-office network.

Warren Hawkes- New York State Nurses Association

This entry was posted on Wednesday, January 14th, 2009 at 2:19 pm and is filed under Funding, Technology. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.