WiFi in libraries

What? We covered a variety of WiFi options, including the projects at Chester West, Brighton and Hove: Cloud and Norfolk. 

How might it be used? Mobile working – requiring a clear strategy and communication enabling council workers or those from other organisations can use the WiFi. 

Is WiFi important? Some think so…

Maslam’s Hierarchy of Needs – a modern perspective!

Borrowable WiFi hotpots 

What? A service to lend WiFi hotspots to customers living in low income postcodes. 

Purpose? To allow anyone who does not have WiFi to try it before buying it / to get WiFi where there is none available. To support/encourage Digital Inclusion. 

Target audience? Anyone who wants to try before they buy, low income households.

How might it be used? Hotspots could be used for a partnership with housing associations or in areas of high deprivation. MiFi could be used for Care Home tablet sessions or workshops in some areas (where 3G is available).

How to find out more? Library Hotspot, NYC Libraries Pioneer WiFi lending, Chicago WiFi hotspot lending 

MiFi and WIBE

What? MiFi uses 3G or 4G to provide a temporary/mobile WiFi hotpot (EE dongle will take ten users at a time). A WIBE is a Wireless Broadband Extender. 

Purpose? To enable WiFi over 3G and 4G mobile networks. 

Target audience? Mobile workers, students, business, anyone. 

How might it be used? MiFi or a WIBE could be used for Care Home tablet sessions or workshops in village halls – in areas where 3G is available. On the mobile library to improve the information offer. 

How to find out more? EE, WIBE

Sharing the knowledge gained from the SCL Digital Leaders Pilot (facilitated by Ben Lee and Ethan Ohs from Shared Intelligence) with colleagues  – ideas, examples and inspiration.