Lending the Internet Bridging the Digital Divide with WiFi Hotspots

Description

Even prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, lack of Internet access was a serious issue facing many Americans, particularly older adults, racial minorities, rural residents, and those with low incomes or low educational attainment. Without the Internet it can be difficult or impossible to apply for jobs, access government forms, complete homework, and communicate with friends and family; it is a huge barrier to getting out of poverty. Libraries have long accepted the challenge of providing access within our buildings, but we can do more! Learn differing approaches to circulating Internet-to-go WiFi hotspots, including insights about processes, policies, challenges and more. Sponsored by OLA TSRT (Technical Services Round Table).

Speakers

  • Ellie Avis, Josephine Community Library District, Technical Services Manager
  • Robert Kohl, State Library of Oregon, Federal Documents Cataloger
  • Eric Molinsky, Jackson County Library Services/Medford Branch Library
  • Robert Shonbrun, The Dalles-Wasco County Library

Video Recording: https://youtu.be/oF3K6HTS43A

Resources:
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