Click to view an auto-captioned version of this recording in Zoom.
Offering a hotspot lending program at your library offers endless opportunities for your patrons, especially those that lack broadband connectivity at home. This free on-demand webinar offers public library staff tools and resources for how and why to start a hotspot lending program. Participants will hear from two public library staff members who will share insights about their libraries’ processes, policies, challenges, and more.
Originally presented July 30, 2019 as part of the Public Library Association's (PLA) DigitalLead: Rural Libraries Creating New Possibilities project. PLA and Microsoft Corp. are helping rural populations reap the benefits of broadband internet connectivity.
PLA thanks Microsoft Corp. for its support of this webinar and the DigitalLead project.
Learning Outcomes
At the conclusion of this on-demand webinar, participants will be able to:
- Identify the need for increasing access to broadband connectivity to achieve better community learning and health outcomes;
- Take advantage of free resources and tools to assist libraries in developing their own hotspot lending program; and
- Explore strategies for building partnerships to increase awareness of and to sustain their hotspot lending program.
Additional Resources
- Chat Transcript (PDF, 12 pgs.)
- Leighann Wood:
- Slideshow (PDF, 18 pgs.)
- PLA Hotspot Resources (PDF, 2 pgs.)
- DigitalLead: Rural Libraries Creating New Possibilities
- Microsoft Airband Update (PDF, 27 pgs.)
- Hard to Count Maps
- Mapping Broadband Health in America (Connect2Health)
- Mobile Beacon
- TechSoup
- Public libraries and 21st century digital equity goals by Sharon Strover
- The Digital Inclusion Coalition Guidebook (National Digital Inclusion Alliance)
- Public Library Advocacy/Turning the Page
- Liz Rapp:
- Suzanne Wulf:
- Slideshow (PDF, 7 pgs.)
Who Should Attend
This on-demand webinar is intended for public library staff with limited prior knowledge of hotspot lending programs. It will be useful to front line staff as well as managers and administrators.
Presenters
Liz Rapp is reference and serials librarian at the Jefferson-Madison Regional Library in Charlottesville, VA. In addition to managing serials for the system, Rapp also plans programming for adults, including working with community partners on health programs, and she recently launched a circulating special collection with a focus on healthy living.
Suzanne Wulf is head of digital services at the Niles-Maine District Library in Niles, IL, managing the library’s technology desk, maker space, and digital media lab. At Niles-Maine, Wulf has launched a circulating technology collection, developed innovative technology programming, and opened a maker space. She’s been a member of PLA's Digital Literacy Committee since 2017.
Leighann Wood, MSLIS, is a program manager at PLA. She’s responsible for managing and supporting PLA’s special projects and grant-funded initiatives for health literacy, digital literacy, and equity, diversity and inclusion.
Registration
Cost
This on-demand webinar is free and available 24/7 for your viewing convenience.
How to Register
No registration is required.
Tech Requirements
To playback this archived webinar you should have either the latest version of Flash running on your computer, or use a browser with native HTML5 support. Please use the most up-to-date version available of Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Opera, or Internet Explorer. A fast Internet connection and computer is recommended.
Credits or CEUs
PLA does not award credit hours, or CEUs, for its on-demand webinars and cannot verify participation.
Contact
If you have questions or problems accessing a recording, send a message to plawebinars@ala.org or call 800-545-2433 ext. 5PLA (5752).