Library Parking Lots Become WiFi Hotspots In Response To COVID-19 Closures

Drive up, pick a spot and open your laptop. Drive-in WiFi is an emerging trend in response to public spaces closing due to the COVID-19 outbreak. It’s a scene reminiscent of drive-in movies, except people are using WiFi from inside their car, instead of enjoying a film while comfortably seated on the grass.  The outbreak of COVID-19 shuttered businesses and public spaces across the world. While we all stay at home to slow the spread, many of us remain comfortably connected to the internet. Yet…


public library bookshelf

WhoFi Library Edition Makes PLS Reporting Easy

The Public Library Survey report is due in the coming months. Your WhoFi Library Edition makes it simple to report accurate WiFi usage data. The accurate data provides accurate insights into your library's community impact. The Library Edition provides a consistent collecting and reporting standard across state public libraries to better understand how patrons are using their locations. This data provides insights to guide decisions for things like strategic planning, day to day operations,…


Public Libraries Continue To Serve Communities While Closed to The Public

  As of March 17, 2020, the ALA executive board recommends closing public libraries to the public. This message comes as many cities enforce closings for public places to prevent further spread of the COVID-19 virus. This public health crisis further illuminates the digital divide and the need for equal access to information. While our library customers are closing their physical location to protect the health of patrons and the entire community, many are choosing to make WiFi access…


How Libraries Help Remote Workers

Your public library offers so much value to your community. Everything from children’s programming, language learning, print, audio and digital books, and that’s just the beginning. And what about considering the public library as a workspace for remote workers? Libraries could serve the remote working community by promoting their space as such.  A recent report shows that remote work has surged 400% in the last ten years. Work flexibility is becoming an expectation for the Millennial…


public library bookshelf

WiFi analytics relieves the burden of data tracking for public libraries

Public libraries provide a safe space for communities to come together. They serve communities in urban, suburban, and rural neighborhoods. They provide cultural and economic value. And now, many libraries are becoming community hubs. Libraries and public spaces can use WiFi analytics to help tell their story, reinforce their value, and better serve their community. Using WiFi analytics is the best way to harness technology to build strong communities, and it’s easier to do than you may think.……


whofi community center visitors

Using WiFi Analytics To Improve Patron Experiences

The best way to improve your space for your patrons is to analyze the actions of those who frequent your space. Actions speak louder than words, and in the case of creating a thriving public venue, this is absolutely true. People will let you know if you’re meeting their needs by showing up, or not. Make sure your space is answering the call. Use WiFi analytics to understand what your patrons want so you can improve their experience and your space.  WiFi analytics is an easy-to-use technology…


people gathering

WhoFi Publishes A Book About WiFi Analytics

WhoFi co-founder, John Kerber, recently published a book about WiFi analytics and how advanced technology can create stronger communities. The book, titled WiFi Analytics; Track, Improve, Grow, discusses how to help real-world spaces engage with visitors to create sustainable growth.  It’s written for everyone from library managers to IT professionals. WhoFi provides the insight you need to better serve your communities. By publishing this book, we hope to help more people understand the value…


How To Improve Community Spaces In 2020

Communities thrive on interaction. A pleasant and well-designed public space or gathering place has the power to bring people together, which builds stronger communities through connection. When people are connected-every individual, parent, child, and family feel supported. These thriving communities take intentional effort and thoughtful planning. Voters, city planners, businesses and managers of public spaces work together to bring the vision to life.  Many of these improvements require…


Businesses Must Adapt To Consumer Rights To Privacy With New CCPA Law

In recent years, businesses have faced increased pressure to comply with customer privacy regulations as consumers demand ownership over their valuable personal online data. California became the first state to set statewide privacy regulations with The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) that is set to be implemented on January 1, 2020. If your company hosts data from any California citizens — which likely applies to most U.S.-based companies — then you will have to comply. California is…


Analytics of Regular Customers

Jason was a regular at the coffee shop.  He had glasses and a white beard.  Spending a few hours reading or working on his laptop on weekday afternoons is how we usually saw him.  He was always friendly to the staff. He’d been coming so long that he had become a staple, one of the people we just expected to always be there. Then one day Jason stopped coming. And that’s when the questions started.  Was he OK? Had he moved, or found a different coffee shop?  Maybe he started a new job. Did our…