The “Internet of Things”: What It Is and What It Means for Libraries

Abstract

The “Internet of Things” is a popular buzzword but a poorly understood concept. In short, it refers to everyday objects that can sense the environment around them and communicate that data to other objects and services via the Internet. This column will briefly explain what the Internet of Things is and how it might be useful for libraries. It will also discuss some of the problems with and objections to this technology. A list of currently available Internet of Things examples is also included.

KEYWORDS:

• Intelligent objects
• Internet
• Internet of Things
• IoT
• libraries
• pervasive computing

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Matthew B. Hoy

Matthew B. Hoy, MLIS ([email protected]) is Supervisor, Mayo Clinic Libraries, Mayo Clinic Health System–Eau Claire, 1221 Whipple Street, Eau Claire, WI 54701.