The Kennett Public Library will now be offering wireless hot spot services full-time, following the success of its pilot program. This follows a successful eight-week trial program sponsored by T-Mobile that indicated a need and an interest in the community for the devices. The hotspot devices became available May 2. Library customers can borrow a device for three or seven days for $1 per day.
Library staff member Dan Pennacchia, who helped design the hot spot program, said: “What has amazed us was that the feedback shows that the devices were being used for all different purposes.” Some hotspot borrowers took the opportunity to attend virtual job trainings, while others benefited from having the devices for travel.
The library partnered with T-Mobile in early February to develop a one-month pilot program. The pilot would offer ten WiFi devices that could be checked out to members free of charge. Members were asked to complete a feedback survey so that the library could see just how useful the devices would be. In less than three weeks, the feedback and interest sent a very clear and positive message. T-Mobile and the Kennett Public Library increased the number of devices and extended the pilot by two weeks!
Moving forward, the library will maintain 10 fulltime devices. The $1 per day charge will allow the library to maintain the new program at the lowest cost to the community. “It was important that we be able to offer the new service without creating barriers for our patrons,” Pennacchia said.
Library Program Coordinator Ivy Weir is excited that the program will continue. “Modern libraries need to fill many roles for many people,” Weir said, “And being able to offer home Internet as another borrowable service is really thrilling.” Though the pilot has ended, the staff will continue to monitor the success of the new service.
By offering wireless hotspots, libraries are better able to serve the informational needs of modern users. For some, these hotspots function as the primary source of Internet. Individuals can research job listings, access email or complete necessary schoolwork.
