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Danielle McDonald, CEO
indicated that the Public WiFi hotspot lending pilot was brought forward to
the Board in May 2018 because of the need to secure approval to waive
associated overdue fees. This report provides the Board with an update to the
pilot, which is otherwise an operational activity delegated to the CEO.
Vice-Chair Fisher asked staff
for insights on the low referrals from partners. Monique Brûlé, Division
Manager, Programs and Services indicated the initial plan was to work with
City of Ottawa Recreation, Cultural and Facilities Services and Ottawa
Community Housing to promote the program to customers who were without
internet at home. She said that during the first three months, OPL received
less than five referrals. The low number of referrals were due to:
·
Use
of the program required customers to assume liability for loss/theft for this
target demographic, that may have resulted in further isolation as customers
would lose library privileges;
·
The
loan period of three months was a short-term solution, whereas customers
without internet require long-term solutions;
·
The
program administration was cumbersome; and,
·
Social
housing already provides WiFi for $10.00 a month.
In response to a question
from Trustee Higdon as to what was included in the loan to customers, Ms.
Brûlé said the WiFi hotspots are bundled with a Chromebook, along with usage
instructions and copies of OPL policies regarding acceptable use. The
complete package was available for a loan period of up to three months, with
no renewals. In addition to the bundle, Chris Simmons, Acting Program
Manager, Technology Services, added that the hotspot is a mobile wireless
access point that is created by a dedicated hardware device and contains a subscriber
identification module (SIM) card connected to a telecom provider’s data
network, which allows up to 10 personal devices to connect to the internet.
Further to a question
from Trustee Higdon regarding the radius of the hotpot, Mr. Simmons said the
range is typically 100 meters.
Trustee Brockington liked
the concept of the pilot and believed it is worth pursuing further. In
response to a question on the value of the kits and what happens when they
are not returned, Ms. Brûlé indicated the kits are valued at $450 per unit.
If not returned, the kit is deactivated, and the customer is not able to use
it further. Notification is sent to advise the customer that the kit is due
to return and, if not returned, there will be a replacement fee charged to
the account.
Trustee Brockington spoke
to the technology needs in his community and urged staff to look for
partnerships.
In response to a question
from Chair Tierney on whether the kits were available in Bookmobiles, Ms.
Brûlé responded in the affirmative, advising availability at the Caldwell and
Lincoln Heights stops.
Trustee Luloff asked if
there was a cap on the data available and what was the length of the loan
period. Mr. Simmons said there is no cap on speeds, there is unlimited
internet, and there is a period of three months for the loan.
Further to a question
from Trustee Luloff regarding the name of the carrier and whether a discount was
provided, Ms. Brûlé stated that the provider was Telus. The service was
issued through the City of Ottawa where a corporate discount was provided.
Trustee Luloff asked if
staff will continue the program. Ms. Brûlé indicated that the pilot phase
ended March 31, 2019. OPL will explore ways of increasing digital access using
the WiFi kits in other forms, such as a partnership with homework clubs.
Trustee Luloff agreed
with Trustee Brockington on staff looking for partnerships, especially in
wards where there is no public library. He said it is a wonderful program
that he supports as the library can further extend its reach.
In response to a question
from Vice-Chair Fisher regarding the program being included within
Alternative Services suite of programs as an option to allocate this
resource, Ms. Brûlé said staff will explore ways to partner with other
community services.
The CEO asked Trustee
Brockington to clarify what options he would be seeking. Trustee Brockington suggested
that staff reach out to City of Ottawa and Community Resource Centres to
explore partnership opportunities to find ways to make internet access and
WiFi kits available.
There being no further
discussion, the item was RECEIVED as presented.
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