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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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:…