New Product Update: Meeting Rooms for Libraries
Announcing a new service from WhoFi, Meeting Rooms serves library and community spaces by simplifying program planning and room scheduling reservations for patrons and staff. In an era of remote work and evolving community needs, libraries continue to play a crucial role by offering co-working spaces, meeting rooms, and programs that bring communities together. While libraries adapt to these changing demands, they also encounter new challenges in fulfilling these needs effectively. Meeting New…
Q2 2023 Library WiFi Usage and Digital Equity Trends
The second quarter of 2023 continued to demonstrate the significance of public library WiFi usage in advancing digital equity and bridging the digital divide. As communities returned to a sense of normalcy following the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a slight increase in WiFi usage this quarter compared to last year. While this increase was smaller than the growth observed from 2021 to 2022, notable trends emerged, reflecting the ongoing efforts of libraries to meet changing community needs. This…
How to Add Your Library Calendar to Your Library Facebook
Welcome to our step-by-step guide on integrating the Community Calendar from your WhoFi account with your public library Facebook page. This process is particularly useful for libraries without a website or the ability to make changes to their existing website. By following these instructions, you can provide your patrons with easy access to upcoming events, registration details, and opportunities to connect with program coordinators. Let's get started! Obtaining the Integration Code from…
How Directors Find Library Tools and Resources
Staying up-to-date with new tools and services in the evolving library landscape poses a common challenge for directors. As centers of learning, libraries play a critical role in bringing new technology and ideas to their communities. In our quest to understand how new library directors could learn about tools and resources, we conducted a survey and analyzed the results, which we are excited to share! The survey revealed the top sources of information reported by library respondents when…
What is Library Calendar Software?
What is library calendar software and how can it be used to benefit the community you serve? In short, it provides a platform to promote the many wonderful programs and events you provide to the community. Alternative to a physical calendar within the building, library calendar software is an interactive tool for community engagement. Below are some key features of library calendar software and how they can benefit patrons, staff, and the greater community. If you prefer to watch the video,…
Public Library WiFi Usage Q1 2023
First Quarter 2023 Sees Rise in Public Library WiFi Use The latest data on public library WiFi usage indicates a steady increase in usage during the first quarter of 2023, with libraries working diligently to advance digital equity in their communities. This article explores the potential implications of this trend, from the benefits for patrons and libraries to what the future of public library WiFi may hold. Reliable high speed internet is a critical service offering and one that communities…
Librarians Learn and Grow Despite Staffing Shortages.
Libraries today are increasingly challenged with staffing shortages and budget cuts. Through creative technical solutions, libraries are making the most of their resources to create a culture of learning and growth. In this article, we’ll take a look at opportunities and resources librarians are utilizing to address staffing challenges, advocating for BEAD funding to expand internet access for patrons, and building relationships with their communities and other libraries to grow into the…
How Libraries Can Work with States to Utilize BEAD Funding for Digital Equity
Planning in Process As states develop their BEAD 5-year plans, they are advised by the NTIA's Notice of Funding Opportunity to leverage “existing infrastructure” and to “minimize BEAD program outlays” in order to stretch the funds to the best possible effect. Many anchor institutions across the country already have publicly-funded fiber connections which could be leveraged to connect the surrounding community. Anchors with less than 1 gig connections are eligible for BEAD funds and could be a…
Small town libraries making a big impact
Doland Community Library The Doland Community Library relies on its director Natasha Noethlich to carry out most of its services. In an effort to ensure all of the library’s upcoming events were available to the public, Natasha added the Community Calendar from WhoFi to the library website. Natasha can now share the library's upcoming events such as the Ceiling Tile Painting Project going on now. You can see some of the great designs the community has come up with below: Events like these show…
Annual Analysis of Public Library WiFi Usage in 2022
WhoFi analyzed data from our library partners to identify library WiFi usage trends. This report includes our findings for 2022. Public Library Insights for 2022 Looking over the WiFi insights from 2022 there were encouraging trends indicating that library service usage is growing and seasonality may be more predictable in the coming years. When we conducted our research using data from libraries throughout the United States there were positive signs of continued growth in usage for services…