[OPLINLIST] Walkie talkies for service desks

[Ed]

The Marysville Public Library has two sets of FRS radios, at each 
circulation area, one set on the main floor and one set on the lower 
level. Information about FRS radios can be found here 
https://www.fcc.gov/general/family-radio-service-frs

Library staff do not use them regularly for communication with each 
other. They mainly get used if we have an event at the library like a 
tornado warning, lost child, etc to make it easier for staff to check 
and/or secure the building. In the event of a tornado warning, staff 
check all areas of the building and direct patrons to the tornado safe 
room in the lower level.

Depending on how your going to use them, you may want to look into Multi 
Use Radios (MURS) radios. Information on MURS radios can be found here 
https://www.fcc.gov/general/multi-use-radio-service-murs

The main differences besides the bands they operate on are FRS radios 
have to have a fixed antenna and transmitter power of 1/2 watt (500 
miliwatts)
Murs radios are limited to a transmitter power of 2 watts (2,000 
miliwatts) and can have detachable antennas. Both FRS and MURS radios do 
not require individuals to have a license to use them.

If you know anyone with a police/fire scanner, you could program that 
with the MURS and FRS frequencies before making a purchase to find out 
if anyone else with in range of the library are also using MURS radios 
or FRS radios. This could help you make a decision that would minimize 
interference between the library and others within range of the library 
that could be using them.
FRS radios are common to buy at big box stores. I haven't noticed too 
many MURS radios being sold at big box stores.

I hope this helps!

-Ed Liddle
Marysville Public Library


On 09/30/2016 01:21 PM, Whittney Mahle wrote:
>
> Hello,
>
> Do any libraries out there use walkie talkies for their desks to 
> communicate with the Manager/Librarian/Person in Charge? Any feedback 
> or suggestions?
>
> Thanks!
>
> Whittney Mahle
>
> Patron Services Manager
>
> Marion Public Library
>
> 445 E Church St
>
> Marion, OH 43302
>
> 740-383-9710
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> OPLINLIST mailing list -- OPLINLIST at lists.oplin.org
> http://lists.oplin.org/mailman/listinfo/oplinlist
>
> http://aboutbooks.info -- Search for author, title, subject... anything about books.

-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://lists.oplin.org/pipermail/oplinlist/attachments/20161003/616b3492/attachment.html>