A new library opted for wired because books block Wi-Fi's signal: I haven't heard of this particular problem before, but it has something to do with the scale and comprehensiveness of coverage and where the stacks are located. I can imagine that books are a more efficient attenuator than brick and concrete, especially if stack back to back in metal shelves. Still, their attitude is good: they put in plenty of wired ports and can add Wi-Fi affordably since they have the right infrastructure in place.
I'm with you ... it seems more likely to be the shelves not the books.
simon
Frankly, I think the excuse(s) as to why Wi-Fi was not deployed in the library is a bunch of hooey. Visit the library's website and locate the floor plans. I think that one will be able to appreciate the very great potential for Wi-Fi deployment. The central court would accomodate multiple WAP installations. Most of the common areas appear to be located off to the north(?) of the court an could all be served by well placed WAPs as well. The only trouble spots seem to be the small rooms/sitting areas located along the wings. However, even these are perpendicular to the axis of the stacks and could probably be served by well placed WAPs – especially if directional antennae were employed.
I think the comments of the SJSU IT guy are the most telling. "[W]ireless fidelity technology was not ready for prime time when planning for the library began in 2000." The accuracy of that statement aside, it appears to me that someone simply missed the boat on the potential for acceptance and deployment of Wi-Fi.
Just my $0.02 ...
Herman