How Libraries Can Keep Loaner Devices Safe With The New Emergency Connectivity Fund Program
In an effort to bridge the digital divide, part of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of 2021 includes $7.17 billion for the Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF) program. This program provides funding for public and tribal libraries and K-12 schools to purchase devices like hotspots and laptops for use away from library and school grounds. The ECF presents an extraordinary and unprecedented funding opportunity for libraries to expand broadband equity to those who need it most beyond the confines…
Public Library Insights Q2 of 2021
When analyzing WiFi insights data and looking for usage trends over the past year, we’ve identified clear fluctuations in use that seem to correlate with particular service areas, important timelines in the pandemic, and/or library outreach efforts. As we look at the data for Q2, there are some interesting changes to these numbers, along with a steady increase in WiFi usage across service areas. The COVID-19 pandemic certainly brought about many changes in the way patrons interact with their…
Zoom for Public Libraries
Online meetings are becoming the norm for many of us for a variety of reasons. Some libraries are migrating their in-person programming to online formats using tools like Zoom or Facebook Live. Since some libraries are still are operating in a limited capacity, their physical meeting spaces may be off-limits, but online meeting spaces are still available and being created using tools like Zoom. So what exactly is Zoom and how can public libraries use Zoom to meet community needs? What is Zoom?…
Nextdoor for Public Libraries
When COVID-19 closed public libraries, librarians quickly adapted their services and outreach efforts for the online space. In this post, we continue the Libraries Online series. If your public library is looking for more ways to connect to your community, consider creating a Nextdoor account for your library. It’s a great platform to communicate to the hyperlocal community about resources and events your library offers. What is Nextdoor? Nextdoor is a private, free social network to connect…
How To Use Instagram To Share Your Library’s Story
Social media is playing a significant role in helping libraries stay relevant in our ever-growing digital society. Just as they are leading the charge in digital equity. As part of our Libraries Online series, we’re sharing ways that libraries can use social media to connect to their community and promote library services. This blog will focus on the Instagram platform and how to use its visual layout to share your library's story. Using Instagram for your library is a great way to share…
Monthly At A Glance Report Simplifies Board Reporting
WhoFi is happy to announce the release of the monthly At A Glance Report for all partner libraries. Through conversations with our public library partners, it became clear that there was a need for a simplified board report surrounding their patron WiFi usage. Previously library directors used another WhoFi report, the Trend Summary, to show WiFi usage. The Trend Summary Report is a detailed view of the monthly usage and is great for digging deeper into usage patterns. While directors enjoy the…
Public Library Insights One Year Into The COVID-19 Pandemic
The past year has brought many changes and challenges. And it’s also created an environment for growth. Faced with uncertainty, libraries rose to the challenge and adapted their services to meet the changing needs of their communities. In many ways, libraries are able to meet patrons' needs now even better than before. The flexibility of these new offerings made it easier to reach additional community members, and our library partners think these changes are here to stay. It’s helped libraries…
Getting Social While Social Distancing
Librarians are people who want to connect with their community. Through library services, outreach, programs, and much more, libraries and librarians are beacons to all communities. So when library doors closed due to COVID-19, this was tough on the community and the librarians who thrive on serving and connecting. In times of crisis and economic recession, people need the library more than ever. They need someone to help connect them with free resources, social services, a safe place to use…
Introducing the WhoFi Community Calendar
Community Calendar is the program reporting tool for modern libraries Easily Track Your Library’s Programs For Accurate Reporting Libraries are adapting to meet changing community needs by connecting with patrons online and in-person. The Community Calendar offers a replacement to cumbersome tallying methods. It also helps libraries better understand their patrons to further improve their service. What is Community Calendar? Community Calendar is a reporting tool to help libraries understand…
Q4 Effects of COVID-19 on Public Library WiFi Use
WhoFi analyzed data from our library partners to determine the effect of COVID-19 on patron WiFi usage. This report includes our findings during Q4 2020. We’re now ten months into the COVID pandemic, and public libraries continue to adapt to this new normal by reinventing their services to meet the current needs of their communities. These new innovations are taking place across the country. Libraries are bolstering their online collections and expanding access, enhancing access to public WiFi,…
