Imagine the Possibilities

Concurrent Program Session

Innovative Approaches to Circulating WiFi Hotspots

Friday, March 23, 2018, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Pennsylvania Convention Center, 108 AB

The lack of internet access is a serious issue facing many Americans. Without the internet it is difficult to apply to jobs, access government forms, complete homework, and communicate with friends and family. Libraries have accepted the challenge of providing internet access within their buildings to narrow the digital divide, but we can do more! Learn from four organizations on their differing approaches to circulating the internet to go through WiFi hotspots.

At the end of this session, participants will:

1: Articulate three different approaches to circulating WiFi hotspots 2: Grasp the tools to measure nontraditional outputs and outcomes of circulating WiFi hotspots 3: Understand major pitfalls to watch for in setting up their own WiFi lending program

The session organizer(s) identified this session as appropriate for:
Level 1: People with no previous knowledge of the topic.

This session will have: Low interaction (example: single speaker/panel with Q&A at the end of the program),Medium interaction (example: single speaker/panel with questions or discussion throughout)

Handouts: Download 1   Download 2  

Track: Invent

Tags: Technology, Emerging Technologies, Innovation, Mobile Technology, Social Change, Technology


Presenters

Mikael Jacobsen, Learning Experiences Manager
Skokie Public Library , Skokie , IL

Mikael "Mick" Jacobsen is the Learning Experiences Manager at the Skokie Public Library, IL. This, for Mick, entails working in a multitude of patron contact points, leading the busy Adult and Youth Services Computer areas, Digital Media Labs, STEAM projects, Young Adult areas, managing over 2500 events a year, and many other fun projects. He became a Library Journal Mover and Shaker in 2013 and authors the Wired Library Column for Public Libraries Magazine.

Suzanne Wulf, Head of Digital Services
Niles-Maine District Library , Niles , IL

Suzanne Wulf is Head of Digital Services at the Niles-Maine District Library where she manages a Digital Media Lab, Makerspace, and circulating technology collection. Additionally, she develops and coordinates engaging technology classes and programs at the library. Suzanne is dedicated to providing access to technology to everyone regardless of age, race, or physical limitations.

Daniel Landsman, Customer Experience Program Manager
New York Public Library , New York , NY

Daniel Landsman is the Customer Experience Program Manager at the New York Public Library where he helps design or improve initiatives, strategies, and services, such as the Hotspot Program, both in the 92 NYPL locations and online. In 2012 he managed implementation of NYPLs Urban Library Council Innovation Award-winning collaboration with Brooklyn Public Library, known as BookOps, managing all circulation logistics including Hotspot program activities. Daniel is also a combat veteran of the U.S. Army.

Maria Meachum, Director
Wilmington Public Library , Wilmington , IL

Maria Meachum is director of a small library serving 9,345 patrons within a 100 square mile library district in rural Illinois. Wearing many hats, including Network Administrator, she has had to overcome the Digital Divide barriers her patrons face. The Mobile Hotspot Lending program is entering its third year and as the library adds even more devices the new challenge becomes how to finance it, how to fairly manage it, and how to sustain it.

For questions about…

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