ncompass live: circulating the internet: how to loan wifi hotspots

CIRCULATING THE INTERNETHow to Loan WiFi Hotspots

Presented by Norfolk Public LibraryJessica Chamberlain, Library DirectorJudy Hilkemann, Reference Supervisor/Systems AssistantMike Dittmer, Library Technology Specialist

WHY DO IT?Looking at our community’s need in light of our library’s mission, current goals, and role in the community

Needs Decision TreeAdapted from The New Planning for Results by Sandra Nelson, 2001

Is there a need?

Does meeting this need fit with our library’s current mission and goals?

Are there other organizations working to meet this need?

Is the library capable of addressing the need?

How can the library work with these organizations to improve the outcome?

If Yes

If Yes

If No

If Yes

Is there a need for more access to broadband internet service?

Starting with the premise that everyone understands that the internet is no longer a luxury.

State Broadband Study - http://broadband.nebraska.gov/documents/State%20Broadband%20Plan%2012-2014.pdf

Does improving the availability of broadband access fit with our mission?

Mission StatementThe Norfolk Public Library provides innovative library services that give community members of all ages the means to fulfill their recreational interests, interact with others in the community, get information on a broad array of topics, access resources to help them learn to read and use information effectively, and continue to learn throughout their lives.

Is anyone else working on providing broadband access to those that don’t have it at home?

Do we have the resources to do this?

Image credits: https://www.flickr.com/photos/pictures-of-money/17308517242/in/photostream/ and https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File%3AStopwatch_A.jpg

HOW TO GET IT DONEPractical matters, policies, packaging, circulation

Policies

• Have a library card, no unpaid fees, history of at least 4 months

• Checkout for 3 weeks, no renewals

• $5/day late fee (to a max of $25), $50 replacement fee

• Follow Library and Verizon rules

ILS Setup

Check Out

Packaging

Hotspot Set Up

• Online Account with Vendor for remote access

• Locking down devices

• SSID & Passwords

Check In• Verify condition

and parts

• Give to Staff to check available data

• Get ready for next patron

HOW IT’S GOING SO FARPublicity and Public Reaction

Publicity• Flyers by the library

computers

• Press Release to local media

• Coverage on local and regional radio and TV and in local newspaper

• Email sent to all students in the public schools

Barbara and her son, Logan, were one of the first to check out a hotspot. “As a single mom, I can’t afford to pay for the internet. Logan has a Chromebook from school so now he can log onto the internet at home and do his schoolwork.”

Lots of holds!

Resources• Other libraries:

• Providence Community Libraries, Rhode Island http://www.provcomlib.org/borrow-internet

• Seattle Public Library • http://www.spl.org/library-collection/spl-hotspot • Saint Paul, MN• http://www.sppl.org/borrowtheinternet • Willoughby-Eastlake Public Library, OH• http://we247.org/library-hotspots/ • Kent District Library, MI• http://www.kdl.org/kent-district-library-offers-circulating-hot-spots

• Our contact at Verizon – • Abbey Pascoe, Government & Non-Profit Account Manager

308.530.5663 or abbey.pascoe@verizonwireless.com

Questions?• Jessica Chamberlain, Library Director• jchamberlain@ci.norfolk.ne.us

• Judy Hilkemann, Reference Supervisor/Systems Assistant• jhilkema@ci.norfolk.ne.us

• Mike Dittmer, Library Technology Specialist• mdittmer@ci.norfolk.ne.us

• 402-844-2100

Thank you!