Wi-Fi Hotspots for Lending to Members
Submitted by afischer on Mon, 07/18/2016 - 17:37
Type of Pilot Project:
Public Service
Describe Project and Impact:
This service would provide Internet access to members that might not otherwise have it at their home.
Project Description and Expected Outcomes:
The library would purchase 25 hotspots/data plans and would check them out to members from one library. This would allow members that might not otherwise have Internet access to have it at their home. The hotspots can connect up to 10 devices at one time so the entire family could use it if they have more than one device. This could also take some of the load off of the public computers at the library if customers can use Internet at home rather than always having to come to the library for access.
Why should we select this project?:
We continue to have a shortage of computers available for our members to use at many of our libraries. We do not have the space to continue adding computers. This would be a way to allow members to access Internet at home if they already have a computer or tablet but no Internet. By starting with just the hotspots, we could determine if we need to go further by also loaning computers such as Chromebooks or laptops for members to use at home. It could also help students that may have a device assigned to them at school but if they are allowed to take it home, they aren't able to use it because they don't have Internet access.
Constraints, Limitations, or Dependencies:
1. We will only be able to fund a limited number of devices as the data plans are an ongoing cost.
2. The success of this project depends on members having devices to use for accessing the Internet if it's available to them.
3. Ongoing costs of continuing or expanding this project could be more than the library is willing to fund.
Source of Inspiration:
New York Public Library, Chicago Public Library
http://lj.libraryjournal.com/2015/07/technology/nypl-cpl-wifi-lending-pi...
http://www.chipublib.org/news/borrow-a-wifi-hotspot-from-chicago-public-...
Performance Indicators:
Member Retention
Environment:
Extra-Library
Relationship:
Build
Experience:
TeXperiences
Cluster:
Rising Stars
Staying Connected
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