How to Streamline Library Annual Report Completion
Libraries play a crucial role in their communities, but behind the scenes, staff members face a significant challenge: collecting and reporting service usage efficiently. Many libraries have struggled with outdated methods, such as spreadsheets and paper form tabulations, that take up valuable time and energy. However, with the implementation of WhoFi’s Question Sets, libraries are transforming the way they collect and utilize information to make informed decisions and complete the library…
Annual Analysis of Public Library WiFi Usage 2024
Libraries have always been centers of knowledge and community, but in recent years, patrons have engaged with these vital spaces in ever-more exciting ways. As we reflect on library usage trends in 2024, we celebrate the myriad ways libraries support their communities helped by WhoFi—not only through WiFi Analytics but also with tools like Community Calendar (for program planning, promotion, and registration), Meeting Rooms (for streamlined space management), and Question Sets (for centralizing…
Second Quarter 2024 Public Library WiFi Utilization Trends
The second quarter of 2024 highlighted the ongoing importance of public library WiFi in promoting digital equity. There was a slight increase in WiFi utilization from the first to the second quarter, alongside a 7% year-over-year increase compared to the second quarter of 2023. This steady growth underlines the essential role libraries play in providing internet access. This analysis explores the latest data, revealing how libraries adapt to meet community needs through reliable internet and…
Stable Public Library WiFi Utilization Trends in Q1 2024
The latest analysis of public library WiFi utilization in the first quarter of 2024 indicates a stable trend. This stability not only reflects the return of normalcy following pandemic conditions, but also the pivotal role libraries play for patrons. This quarter we will review observed trends, their potential implications, as well as upcoming digital equity grant opportunities from the NTIA. Monthly Library WiFi Usage - April to March Examining the data from April 2023 to March 2024 reveals a…
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…
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…
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…