In this article we will consider PDA’s myths related to libraries. PDAs are the reality of modern world. And they are always in a few inches away. And library users will expect libraries to support this technology. Here we try to debunk 10 of the most common PDA mispersuasions.

Myth 1. PDA is like a fad.

According to the statistics there are about 60 millions PDAs worldwide, about 40% in USA. And the amount should increase. In fact, when something new will come, it will have many similarities to today’s PDAs. It will be personal and digital and assisting, and probably much more.

Myth 2. Few people use handhelds.

Last researches tell that about 20 million Americans are using mobile devices for Internet access. That is more than a few, isn’t it!

Myth 3. PDAs can’t offer much to libraries.

In conjunction with wireless connectivity PDAs allows librarians to give point-of-need service. Client can access the library catalog, perform searches, and retrieve information. It must be useful if the library has implemented a wireless network. Patrons can also use PDAs to access databases that the library has purchased and made available to them. Nowadays more and more e-books are becoming available for free. This way librarians can exert an influence on the marketplace by telling vendors what library patrons need.

Myth 4. PDAs can’t offer much to librarians.

Even if libraries don’t provide PDAs services in public use, they can provide them for own staff. One of the most popular uses of the PDA from the beginning has been the datebook function, with its alarms and reminders. Address book and calendar information can be coordinated so that appointment locations and phone numbers can be inserted into the calendar without re-keying.

Myth 5. It is too hard to support all kinds of PDAs.

In fact, there are only three models of PDA.
1) Small devices using text (phones and BlackBerry/RIMs).
2) Palm-based devices using the Palm OS.
3) Windows-type devices using Windows CE or Windows PocketPC.
And if you develop services for the lowest (text-only) platform, it will work on all three.