Hotspot Lending

   

COVID-19 related closures of schools and businesses created an urgent need for Internet access to conduct distance learning, apply for jobs, attend telemedicine appointments, file for government benefits, stay informed about COVID-related developments and other news, and connect virtually with loved ones. The pandemic also closed most public libraries, which cut off many people’s only reliable source of free Internet. While Baldwin County’s public libraries have resumed operations, COVID-19 emphasized the harm the Digital Divide causes to underserved communities and underscored the need to proactively create services that help close the gap before the next crisis arises.

This project, in part, addresses the Digital Divide in many of Baldwin County’s most underserved rural communities by providing mobile hotspots to select Baldwin County public libraries. This will: (1) empower public libraries in areas of low household broadband connectivity, which are often poor and rural counties, to serve a need made all the more urgent by the COVID-19 pandemic; and, (2), empower local libraries in these communities to proactively maintain a lifeline to online information in the event of additional COVID-19 closures or a future crisis, whether disease or natural disaster, by enabling the circulation of mobile hotspots to patrons. (via APLS)

 

Hotspots are available at the following locations:

Bay Minette Public Library

Spanish Fort Public Library

Fairhope Public Library

Daphne Public Library

Magnolia Spring Public Library

Gulf Shores Public Library (Thomas B. Norton)

Elberta Public Library

Summerdale Public Library (Marjorie Younce Snook)

Robertsdale Public Library

Loxley Public Library

Baldwin County Library Cooperative

and our Bookmobile!

 

** Foley Public Library & Orange Beach Public Library have their own hot-spot lending programs.

Please contact them for more information. **

  Important Documents 

WiFi-Hotspot Lending Policy

WiFi-Hotspot Instructions

WiFi-Hotspot Press Release TEMPLATE 

 FAQ's

Why hotspots?

Alabama lags behind the national average for household internet connectivity. This is particularly true in rural Baldwin County, where factors like poverty and sparser population negatively affect access and contribute to the Digital Divide. Since libraries are often the only place in a community with free internet access, COVID-related library closures and reductions in hours and services exacerbated the Digital Divide. Having hotspots on hand before the next crisis, whether a natural disaster or pandemic illness, will empower local libraries to act for the benefit of their communities.

 What is a hotspot and how does it work? 

Hotspots are small devices that allow users to connect to a cellular network using a computer, smartphone, tablet, or other wireless-capable device. Their size allows them to be taken anywhere, which means they are a good option for libraries that want to provide additional services to patrons. They are easy to store, catalog, and check in and out, and will enable library patrons to access the internet wherever they are. Multiple devices can connect to the hotspot if in range, which means that family members can share access through a single hotspot.

Is there a data limit? 

The devices come with unlimited data plans.

What does a patron need to use a hotspot? 

Because hotspots use cellular data, a patron needs to be within range of a cellular tower. They must also have a WiFi-capable device, such as a computer, smartphone, or tablet.

Who may borrow hotspots? 

Only registered patrons aged 19 or older and in good standing of project libraries may borrow hotspots. Because of the limited number of hotspots available at any location, only one hotspot may be checked out per household. Parents or legal guardians may check out hotspots for their dependents.

How do I circulate a hotspot?

 Hotspots are circulated like other library items except they are limited to two week loan periods, can only be renewed once, and have no fines. There is a replacement fee of $75 per device if lost or damaged.

Are the hotspots filtered?

Yes. Each hotspot provides filtered Internet access and is CIPA-compliant.

What do I do if a patron does not return a hotspot or if a device is damaged?

Report the hotspot unit number to BCLC if a device is overdue. BCLC staff will turn off service to that device. We will monitor them as well and disable service when we discover they're overdue.  Patron's will be charged a replacement fee of $75 if the device is lost or damaged. 

This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, grant number ARPML-250538-OMLS, and by Baldwin County Library Cooperative, Inc. with the support of Alabama Public Library Service.