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 key tenant on last-mile network builds. Extending service from anchor institutions to surrounding homes via wireless could be a particularly cost-effective way to connect unserved and underserved homes.
In this article, we will explore the potential role of anchor institutions, such as libraries, in advancing connectivity to the unserved and underserved through the BEAD program. We would like to give special thanks to the SHLB Coalition and its Do Anchors Hold the Key to BEAD’s Success webinar for providing valuable insights and information that contributed to this blog post. If you would like to hear the full discussion from broadband experts in various sectors, you can view it here: https://vimeo.com/shlb/doanchorsholdthekeytobeadssuccess.
Why Libraries Should Partner with States
The Pew Research Center has outlined several key considerations for states seeking to access federal BEAD funding for high-speed internet expansion. These include:
- Developing a comprehensive state plan that addresses the needs of unserved and underserved communities;
- Leveraging existing infrastructure to minimize program outlays;
- Focusing on last-mile solutions that connect homes and businesses;
- Building public-private partnerships to achieve greater impact and sustainability.
Best Practices for Libraries Working with States
Anchor institutions have a key role to play in the digital equity efforts of BEAD funding. Libraries can serve as connectivity hubs and deploy grants to accommodate the unserved and unconnected education. By following these best practices, libraries can play an important role in advancing connectivity and closing the digital divide in their communities.
- Build partnerships with state agencies and other stakeholders to identify and prioritize areas of need. By working with state officials, libraries can help ensure that BEAD funds are directed to the areas where they will have the greatest impact.
- Leverage existing infrastructure to minimize program outlays. Libraries can work with state officials to identify opportunities to leverage existing fiber connections. This can serve to extend high-speed internet service to surrounding homes and businesses.
- Focus on last-mile solutions that connect homes and businesses. Libraries can work with internet service providers to identify and prioritize last-mile projects that will connect unserved and underserved communities.
- Build public-private partnerships to achieve greater impact and sustainability. Libraries can work with state officials, internet service providers, and other stakeholders to build partnerships that leverage the strengths of each partner to achieve greater impact and sustainability.
Get Involved with Your State
Libraries wishing to take an active role in the digital equity efforts in their surrounding communities should reach out to the group or entity receiving BEAD funds for their state. Below are a few states and the links to access the relevant offices. Every state has been awarded planning funds according to Telecompetitor and the NTIA. With this money the agencies and departments responsible for deployment can now begin developing their 5 year plans.
Now is an excellent time for libraries to reach out to their states and get involved in the planning processes. Many states are hosting meetings with local governments to discuss the best process for deploying broadband initiatives such as the State of Iowa found here. Other states have dedicated Broadband offices which already have some information available on the state’s 5 year plan such as the State of South Dakota found here. Building relationships with these state entities is a great way to ensure successful deployment of BEAD funds within your community.
We’ve gathered a list of some of these agencies and their websites by state for your convenience:
- Alaska: https://www.commerce.alaska.gov/web/abo/
- California: https://broadbandforall.cdt.ca.gov/
- Connecticut: https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/Energy/Broadband-Deployment
- Iowa: https://ocio.iowa.gov/broadband/digital-equity
- Ohio: https://broadband.ohio.gov/grant-opportunities/state-digital-equity-grant
- Oklahoma: https://oklahoma.gov/broadband.html
- Nevada: https://osit.nv.gov/Broadband/BEAD/
- New Jersey: https://nj.gov/governor/news/news/562022/approved/20221220b.shtml
- South Dakota: https://sdgoed.com/partners/connectsd/
- Texas: https://comptroller.texas.gov/programs/broadband/planning/partnership/
- Virginia: https://www.dhcd.virginia.gov/vati
- Wisconsin: https://psc.wi.gov/Pages/ServiceType/Broadband.aspx
Over the next 5 years all 50 states are a part of this $42.5 billion project to support digital equity. The best way to ensure the BEAD program’s success is to involve community stakeholders like libraries. These community anchors can connect broadband offices with the patrons who will need their services.
Advocating for funding requires both compelling stories as well as data to support them. If you would like to learn more about simplifying reporting on library services, we would like to learn more about your library. Visit whofi.com/demoor email us at support@whofi.com to schedule a meeting.
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 that even down to the fixtures the library and its director are made by the community for the community. In providing additional visibility Natasha hopes to help bring even more of the community together.
Auburn Public Library
Donetta Stewart serves Auburn Public Library and its community even when she’s not at the library. Before utilizing WhoFi services, provided by the State Library of Iowa, Donetta had no way of gathering WiFi session counts for advocacy or state reporting. Donetta would often see people sitting outside of the library on Sundays using the WiFi and knew that despite not being open the library’s services were still being relied upon by patrons.
Two years ago Donetta began using WhoFi services for WiFi Usage as well as Community Calendar. Utilizing monthly reports on WiFi usage Donetta was able to put numbers behind the story for the board and secure grant funds for a new solar charger for patrons outside of the library.
Donetta is also utilizing the Community Calendar to share about weekly gatherings and state webinars. She says that it has helped, “efficiently track programs, their target audience, and the attendance more easily” and input them into the annual state report.
Small Town Libraries Make a Big Impact
In a recent article from Library Journal doctors Gustina and Norton said, “when libraries operate as one of—if not the only—public resources in their community, then the town’s success will be the institution’s success.”
Natasha and Donetta both serve as library directors in towns with populations less than 500. It is not uncommon for them to wear many hats while trying to provide services that will positively impact the communities they serve. You can see stories from other partners using technology to advocate for their communities here. By leveraging tools like WhoFi both Natasha and Donetta are able to spend less time on administrative tasks and more time serving the needs of the community.
Reducing the reporting burden allows for time to use the information to positively impact the communities libraries serve. If you would like to see if the WhoFi service is right for you please click the button below to schedule a time to connect. We look forward to learning more about your library and community!
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 like WiFi. These services offered in communities by libraries are vital for many who would otherwise lack connection, and in 2022 libraries were as close as they have been to pre-pandemic usage.
As the world continues to seek a “new normal” post-pandemic we may be closer to finding just that. This year many systems and larger library groups saw usage numbers within 90% of usage prior to the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. As more and more of the community came out to engage with the library for education, research, and internet access we also began to see more predictability surrounding changes in seasonality and major holidays. This return to standard usage patterns could be a further indication that libraries are one step closer to the “new normal” following the pandemic.
In 2022 libraries seem to be adjusted to having both in-person and virtual programs. Most have now returned to full in-person service. During the pandemic many libraries adjusted their program and service offerings to include upgrades like faster WiFi, virtual programs, and even expanded WiFi coverage outside of the building. This year we saw sustained growth among casual and frequent users as well as greater similarities between population groups.
Why more patrons visited libraries in 2022
We continued to see numbers closer to those before the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020. Increase in usage could be attributed to a number of factors including decreased infection numbers, better treatment, vaccines available to all ages, as well as a growing remote workforce. The remote workforce in particular could be drawn to the library for their WiFi in order to conduct important Zoom meetings, document uploads, and other important tasks that require faster internet speeds. The data shows that the number of patrons taking advantage of the many resources libraries offer has increased to levels not seen in the past couple years, as we can see in this year-over-year comparison of Q4 usage.
How seasonal decreases in Q4 may be a positive sign
As in previous years, there was a decrease in usage during the fourth quarter of 2022 likely attributable to seasonality decreases around Thanksgiving and Christmas. Looking at the data we can see that the week of Thanksgiving had a noticeable decrease in usage and the week leading up to and following Christmas were even lower. This drop in usage during the holidays is fairly ubiquitous over the years. The fact that seasonality was the major driver of changes in 2022 as opposed to pandemic years is a positive sign that we are approaching a "new normal" for library usage.
Return of the casual library user
Libraries over the past two years have slowly opened their doors to the public and the first high usage patrons to return were of course those who relied on the library most consistently. High use patrons were also those that returned on a regular basis to utilize library information, internet, and in-person programs first. Casual users are those who visit the library on occasion to check out books, attend programs, or utilize public computers and the internet. In 2022 we saw those patrons who are returning to public spaces and gatherings for the first time since the pandemic shutdowns began in addition to high use patrons. This return of the casual user could indicate nearing a return to normal in 2022.
Interpreting insights for 2023
The data from 2022 reveals that communities continue to rely on libraries for consistent internet connection and services at an increasing rate. We can see that libraries have an important role in bridging the digital divide in communities. Providing a safe space for patrons to conduct research, study for school, work remotely, and gather for events are just a few of the areas where libraries are contributing to their communities. As more casual users return to libraries we have further indications that libraries continue to be an essential service for communities. WhoFi will continue to monitor these and any new trends that arise in 2023.
Understanding how patrons utilize library services allows library staff to make data-influenced decisions on how best to engage with their community. Insights from WiFi analytics will continue to be beneficial to libraries in planning and advocating for the future of their institutions.
Libraries that partner with WhoFi have helped simplify the reporting processes while ensuring the information collected is standardized for the library board, state and IMLS reporting. If you would like to learn more about how we help libraries reduce reporting burdens, we would like to hear from you. Please visit WhoFi.com/Demo to schedule a meeting!
WhoFi Launches New Dashboard Design
Dashboard Design
This month WhoFi has launched a new dashboard design to improve upon the simplicity and ease of use already offered to our partners. This new design functionality is similar to previous versions such that everything is easy to navigate for existing users. In addition to cosmetic updates we have included some updates to the design of those reports most commonly utilized by partners.
WiFi Analytics
First, all WiFi reports can now be found in the filter drop down for WiFi Usage. From there libraries can access all of the same reports they already use for advocacy and reporting. Monthly downloadable reports can be found in the same spot on the menu as in the previous design.
Community Calendar
Next, the Community Calendar create menu now features three tabs to organize information for events:
- Events includes all the information necessary to create an event in Community Calendar
- Event Details where libraries can include internal notes about the upcoming event as well as their category and their virtual platform as needed
- Integrations which allows libraries to input all the details to be listed on the library’s website. This includes details patrons may find helpful such as the description, registration, organizer information, image to be displayed, and more.
Attendance in the Archive Menu
Finally, the Archive menu is an easy place to enter any additional attendance information after events have ended. Any information not included when the event was created can be added easily from this menu. Also, as always the filter view makes it simple to export attendance data quickly.
All updates to the WhoFi dashboard are based on library feedback in order to reduce the reporting burdens felt by library staff. We hope that our partners will continue to provide excellent feedback to continue development into the future.
If you have any questions regarding the WhoFi service or how we can alleviate administrative burdens for your library please contact us at support@whofi.com.
How Stubbs Memorial Library Advocated for Mini-Park WiFi Expansion
Emily Todd began her work at the Stubbs Memorial Library in 2014 before becoming director in 2017. Born in Holstein, she has a passion for the community there and her predecessors were no different. Since 2010 Stubbs Memorial Library has offered 24/7 WiFi access to patrons but did not have a way to estimate WiFi usage outside of library hours making advocacy difficult.
As a free local resource patrons visit libraries like Stubbs Memorial to use the internet for work, research, and personal development everyday. However, putting these experiences to paper can be a challenge to the people advocating for the library, especially while protecting the privacy of their patrons.
Libraries play a critical role in the community providing for those lacking internet access as patrons increasingly rely on stable connection for everyday activities. While all libraries report on their internet usage for the state report, the methods used to gather the information often involve estimations or complicated processes. These processes can result in incomplete information that misses engagement with patrons.
Advocating for Expansion
Libraries who share their WiFi usage and the stories behind them are better able to advocate for boards to expand services for patrons and thereby improve communities. In fact in 2020 Emily was able to utilize WiFi usage data from WhoFi and stories of patrons using the WiFi after hours sitting near the doors of the library to advocate for an expansion of the service. Emily said that WhoFi’s WiFi usage service, “allows us to give real numbers and stories to support keeping our WIFI on 24/7 as a service.”
Since 2020 the Stubbs Memorial Library Mini-Park has provided WiFi thanks to a grant from the PLA and Microsoft.
As communities connect more and more via the internet for communication, learning, and development, having access is critical for individuals. For the Stubbs Memorial Library adapting to a world of personal devices means that some patrons will continue to use library services without even entering the building.
Mini-Park Revitalization
Since 1976 visitors to the Stubbs Memorial Library have also been able to pay a visit to the mini-park that began as a volunteer Earth Day project. Now patrons and visitors to Holstein can visit the library’s mini-park any time to charge and connect devices to the library WiFi. This new expansion includes new benches, picnic tables equipped with outlets and of course extended range to the park for patrons using library WiFi.
Emily said that adding this service serves the community visibly but also those patrons who do rely on having internet access around the clock. The Mini-Park at Stubbs Memorial Library is a fantastic example of libraries seeing and meeting the needs of their community. While the Mini-Park is a unique concept, the need for internet access exists in every community. Libraries are well positioned to meet this need as the digital divide remains a pervasive issue.
If you would like to learn more about advocating for your library or community space with WiFi usage insights, please click the button below to connect with us! We would love to hear from you and learn more about your current needs.
WhoFi YouTube Channel Launch
Libraries Can Access the WhoFi YouTube Channel at youtube.com/@whofi
Partners gain access to our videos on useful reports and functionality within the WhoFi dashboard with our new YouTube channel. Anytime new users are added at the library they can get up to speed on WhoFi quickly. When a product update is released partners will be able to see the functionality firsthand so they get started using it easily.
With the launch of the WhoFi YouTube channel we aim to provide all libraries with a clear view of our services. Considering partnering with WhoFi? This is a great place to see how the services could benefit your library.
Our channel is the perfect way to see at how we help libraries simplify reporting to their board and state. Accordingly, libraries looking for specific details on our services or the metrics we provide can find the answers they need easily with videos for many of our services.
Helpful WhoFi YouTube Videos:
Partner library feedback led to the creation of Community Calendar. Getting useful information on programs at the library as well as their attendance is important to the state. Community Calendar provides a centralized platform where library staff can enter program information. Reporting to the state with new questions and definition changes can be done without the need to compile countless spreadsheets.
Our WiFi Session Count Report video shows valuable insights the report provides for the state and to advocate for your library. The session count report is one of the first reports designed by WhoFi specifically for libraries. Join Ashleigh as she gives you all the information you need to start using this report.
The latest product update Tailor-Made Registration provides libraries the opportunity to gather more than just contact information for programs that need it. Many libraries requested this additional functionality to give them notice of patron needs ahead of events. Now it available for use by request in every partner dashboard following recent development. Partners should first watch the video above and then visit their WhoFi dashboard to get started!
We hope that this video library will be helpful to partners learning a new tool as well as for existing partners who would like a brief refresher on specific services. The best way to get updates on new videos that could benefit your library is to subscribe to our channel. Please contact us at support@whofi.com for more information or to schedule a demonstration for your library.
Public Library WiFi Usage Insights Q3 2022
Sustained growth has been an ongoing theme in 2022 and the third quarter proved to be no exception with an 8% increase in public library WiFi usage compared with the prior quarter. Looking at data from the Summer there seem to be some interesting trends emerging compared to last year. Particularly the change among certain service population ranges. Reviewing usage trends we have identified fluctuations in usage relevant to library service offerings and how patrons will interact with libraries in the future.
As the world faces a "new normal" there are some activities that have clearly changed since before the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes the time and manner in which patrons use the library services. Libraries have expanded their WiFi offerings to provide their communities 24/7 access, stronger signal, and even extended range for patrons outside of the library proper in nearby outdoor spaces. Regardless of the cause it is clear that patrons are making sustained use of libraries’ WiFi offerings.
Compared with the third quarter of 2021 WiFi usage has increased dramatically by 94% this quarter as can be seen on the right.
Sustaining Growth in WiFi Usage Year-Over-Year
Digging deeper into the growth we can see over the past quarters just how much public library WiFi usage has grown. Compared with year-to-date usage in the third quarter of 2021, the third quarter of 2022 saw usage increased by 105% more than doubling last year's activity. This metric is exciting to see as it further indicates the importance of the free WiFi for community spaces in the digital age. Patrons use public library WiFi at increasing rates indicating this metric will continue to be important to keep up with for advocacy purposes.
Weekly WiFi Usage by Population Size
Over the course of the quarter, weekly WiFi usage remained fairly consistent over time with a few notable exceptions. The weeks of the Fourth of July and Memorial Day experienced small dips in usage as in years previous as you can seen on the right. June and July saw nearly identical WiFi usage rates and resumed the typical seasonal increase in usage through August and into September. While there was variance in growth among the service population ranges each group had an overall increase in the third quarter.
October 2021 to September 2022 Results
As we approach the new baseline of patron utilization referenced in previous reports, libraries continue to set post-pandemic records for WiFi usage every month. Every month since March 2022 has had greater usage than October 2021, the highest usage month for that year. We are seeing less and less unattributed change as we grow closer to the new baseline. This means libraries have an opportunity to measure the impact of the changes they are making without skewed results due to the pandemic.
What does this mean for these libraries and how can they best serve their community going forward?
We will keep an eye out this Winter to note any non-seasonal trends in usage. It is clear from the data that patrons continue to utilize library WiFi in greater numbers. This valuable community resource is important now more than ever in a post-pandemic society. This is due in part to new remote workers and distance education learners. Advocating for these patrons will be critical for libraries to thrive in the digital age.
Please contact us if you would like to simplify your library's reporting process!
Tailor-Made Program Registration
Beyond the Basics
Collecting the right registration information prior to hosting a program can help aid in its overall success. For the majority of the time having the number of patrons planning on attending and their basic contact information is enough. On the other hand, there are times that an event's success would benefit from knowing more ahead of time. Whether it’s a “Book Box” program or a monthly crafting event, patrons may have different preferences for the program and knowing ahead of time can help make the event more enjoyable for patrons and those hosting in addition to saving library supplies & funds for future events.
With all the exciting things happening at programs there’s plenty of information you may need from patrons ahead of events. The possibilities are endless but here just a few sample questions libraries may have for program attendees:
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What kind of book box would you like?
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Do you have any food allergies?
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Will you need supplies/tools provided?
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Are you bringing your own board game?
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What kind of seed will you plant?
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Genre Preference
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Color Preference
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Shirt Size Preference
Information Accessibility
Public libraries told us that taking the guesswork out patron event preferences would save time preparation and money on supplies. With this in mind we are now making available the ability to tailor your program registration forms for particular events. This new offering helps take the guesswork out of what supplies and quantities will be needed for your upcoming events. Your patrons will be happy to provide their preferences ahead of time, and now you can collect the unique information you need directly from the WhoFi dashboard making planning for programs even easier.
Everyone at the library who may need to access program information can do so directly from the dashboard so no one is left out of the loop. All staff members needing program information can have access to the dashboard. Getting a list of supplies needed for your upcoming programs has never been easier!
If you would like a more in depth look into how to start using tailor-made registration forms check out our video here! You can also email us at support@whofi.com with any questions.
5 Reasons To Use Registration for Your Next Library Program
One key element of a successful library program is registration for patrons. While collection methods may vary, the best registration processes can result in more successful programs with more engaged guests. In fact in an article from Science & Technology Libraries researchers found that, "customized communication is at the root of successful library programming". Here are just a few points in the planning process that easy registration could improve programs & events at the library:
1. Visibility for Library Patrons
You’ve got lots of exciting library programs coming up at the library but you are concerned you may not reach as many as you could. Keeping events visible for patrons and offering registration ensures that everyone who wants to attend can register. While having registration available at the library or over the phone is great it could bog down staff for larger programs and preclude some patrons from registering. Offering registration online is one way to ensure visibility for patrons even when they are not at the library and save staff time filling out forms.
2. Limited Seating & Space
The next program at your library could be an art class requiring plenty of natural light and space for easels. Concurrently, you may need to find space and seating for a larger group gathering to hear a guest speaker. Not all programs are made the same or require the same amount of space. Placing smaller groups in smaller rooms while reserving larger spaces for larger groups is critical for their success. Only have space for 10 people in the smaller room? Set the Registration limit to 10, and any extra guests can go on the waitlist in the meantime! Registration makes this process simple by giving program coordinators options to reserve the right space.
3. Program Materials Preparation
Keeping every program supplied with the right materials is another way that registration can keep events running smoothly. Running out of prizes for Summer reading programs or ingredients for cooking class could hurt a program’s success. Overspending on materials that go unused can be limited by knowing how many people will be in attendance up front.
4. Registered Patron Reminders
Life happens and sometimes patrons forget about an upcoming library event that they'd like to attend. One way to help prevent library programs from falling through the calendar cracks is by reminding patrons about them. It would be a tedious process to give everyone a call or email personally. A simple automatic reminder email can help boost attendance without adding additional work to program coordinators’ plates. For libraries using WhoFi, when patrons register for events, they always receive a reminder e-mail 24 hours before the event starts.
5. Standardized Record Keeping
Libraries have one step left after a program has run its course, reporting! Without registration library staff would have to rely on visual counts during the events recorded on either paper, spreadsheets, or some combination of the two. Libraries are great at storing records safely, but they still have to review them later to get totals for state questions. By collecting registration in advance, reporting processes are sped up and simplified by getting the right fields completed in advance.
Partner libraries brought up registration as a key issue on the subject of programs and community events. In an effort to reduce the burden felt by library staff and enhance patron experience, registration has been added to WhoFi’s existing Community Calendar tool. If you would like to learn more about Community Calendar and how WhoFi can help improve your library program registration processes, please get in touch!
Program Registration for Community Calendar
How many patrons will attend your upcoming library programs and who will they be? Getting a handle on program registration in advance is a great benefit to program coordinators in planning space, materials, and staff requirements, but the methods of gathering and recording this information have not always been easy. In order to simplify this process, WhoFi now has added registration into Community Calendar's functions allowing program attendees to view upcoming events and register for them directly from your website's integrated calendar.
Benefits of Program Registration:
1. Staying in Touch with Patrons
Once registered, patrons will receive confirmation as well as a reminder email 24 hours before the event takes place. This not only serves to boost program attendance, but also provides program hosts with patron info should the need to contact them arise. In addition to providing libraries with attendee contacts, you can now add program coordinator or event co-host information to events. Using this feature will allow patrons to get in touch with the right person for their program on their first try, improving their overall experience.
2. Space Planning & Preparation
Having the right materials and proper space are critical to every library program's success. It can be frustrating for patrons and staff if there isn't enough seating at the Summer reading program or if way too many handouts and supplies were purchased for a candle-making event. Taking the guesswork out of program preparation eliminates this possibility and ensures that a program can run to the best of its ability. Libraries can get a bird's eye view of all upcoming events through their Registered Events report showing all events, spaces reserved, and numbers on attendance.
3. Reporting Made Easy
After an event you can input final attendance numbers into the system and WhoFi will auto generate monthly board and director reports. The director report contains a section at the bottom that aligns with the programming and attendance questions being requested on your state annual report. This single reporting method eliminates administrative redundancies allowing libraries to spend more time using the insights and less time compiling them. In addition, the registration feature allows those that use it to see both the total attendance over the programs that require registration and the number of unique community members attending the programming. Whether it is in person or online, the data is always at your fingertips ready to access whenever you need it for State or board reports throughout the year.
Registration on Community Calendar captures important information to help libraries plan and execute events more successfully. The reminder emails as well as coordinator contact info provide additional points of contact for patrons to engage with library programs and their coordinators to boost attendance and engagement. Automatically generated reports make a long process much shorter and free up time to interact with patrons in other meaningful ways.
Public library feedback led to the creation of the registration feature. Existing methods for program registration including phone calls, email collection, and of course paper forms all take staff resources away from patrons. If you would like to learn more about the Community Calendar or how to use registration please contact support@whofi.com for more information.