![]() Holly Hughes of the Reiger Memorial Library in Haskell agrees, citing how libraries have long been places for people to access information and technology that they might not otherwise be able to obtain. “We hope the hotspot program will fill a digital gap for the households that currently lack access to online resources for job training, educational research and social connections.” ![]() “We know many local residents use the library exclusively for their internet connectivity,” said Alison Bloyd of the Thomas-Wilhite Memorial Library in Perkins. Whitacre hopes this pilot program will lead to more libraries across the state embracing the idea of providing mobile hotspots and beginning lending programs of their own. The pilot program will run through April 2018 and is being supported by Mobile Beacon, an organization focused on providing broadband to nonprofit entities across the nation. Generally speaking, most libraries with such a program allow adults with a valid library card to check out the devices. Individual libraries have specific policies about who can check out the hotspot devices and the length of the loan period. ![]() The hotspot technology can be used to hook up multiple devices. As long as the cellular network provider used by the hotspot has service in that area, the devices will provide broadband access.” “They can be used inside a home taken to restaurants, community centers and the like and even go on a road trip. “These devices use cellular networks, the same as smartphones,” Whitacre said. The program essentially “loans out the internet” by allowing individuals to check out one of four mobile hotspot devices assigned to the library. This is less than half of the 91 percent for Oklahoma households with incomes greater than $100,000.Įnter the pilot program between DASNR and the public libraries. Life in the 21 st century has increasingly become interdependent with internet access, yet the cost of maintaining a monthly connection exceeds what far-too-many Oklahomans can afford.Ī 2015 survey indicated that only 44 percent of Oklahoma households with incomes of less than $25,000 have a broadband connection. “It will enable kids to be able to do their web-based homework, adults to do job applications or patrons to just cruise the internet.” “As a small rural library with many areas not having internet access, I hope this will provide yet another beneficial service to our communities,” said Leslie Durham of the Elgin Community Library. “This pilot program is something that has never been done in rural Oklahoma and hopefully will allow residents and civic leaders to experience firsthand how broadband access can improve people’s quality of life and strengthen local communities,” said Brian Whitacre, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension agricultural economist and the program’s principal investigator.ĭASNR and its cooperating partners – the Elgin Community Library, the Reiger Memorial Library in Haskell, the Thomas-Wilhite Memorial Library in Perkins and the Seminole Public Library – are asking local residents to take advantage of the pilot program and provide feedback as to their experiences. ![]()
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