We've Got The County Covered
We've Got The County Covered
The Harlem Public Library and Blaine County Library, Chinook, have mobile hotspots available for check out to registered patrons thanks to a new pilot project from the Montana State Library. Mobile hotspots are small devices that can be used to access the Internet by using a cellular connection.
The devices are supplied to libraries around the state by funds allocated by the Montana State Library Commission in response to a greater need for Internet accessibility, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. With a greater than ever need for WiFi use for unemployment and job applications, telemedicine, distance learning, online ordering, and social connecting; it is more important than ever for patrons to have accessibility.
The mobile hotspots are supplied by the state library with unlimited data for one year at no cost to the libraries. After the year-long pilot project ends it will be the libraries responsibility to pay the cost of monthly data.
Registered patrons in good standing may check out a hotspot for 14 days with no renewals. When checking out one of the devices, a user must sign a lending agreement. If the hotspot is not returned on time the device will be disabled. The patron is responsible to return the device in good working order. A user survey must be completed after each checkout.
At the libraries the hotspots may be used to lend to patrons for use at home, to conduct off-site programs, to support community organizations or businesses with Internet access, and to check out materials at events and locations outside the library buildings.
Montana State Librarian, Jennie Stapp said, “By providing mobile hotspots to libraries, and through the pilot study, we hope to expand access now, and learn more about the impacts of offering cellular-data devices to Montana’s library patrons so that we can best support Montanans to thrive.”
For more information about the mobile hotspot program contact the Blaine County Library at 357-2932 or the Harlem Public Library at 353-2712.
