The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners is developing a program to distribute hotspots to public libraries for loan to library users.
The MBLC will work provide hotspots and cover the cost of the hotspot device and internet service / data plan through the end of September 2022. Libraries may elect to take over the ongoing costs when funding ends. Our plan is to have the lending program up and running as soon as possible in the new fiscal year.
Please continue to check here for progress, guidance regarding device set-up, use, and troubleshooting; marketing materials; example circulation policies/templates; hotspot program FAQs, etc.
Funded through the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), the hotspot lending program focuses on IMLS' primary goal for these funds, digital inclusion.
Program Timeline
| Dates | Activities |
|---|---|
|
May 12 – 26, 2021 |
Survey to Assess Library InterestMBLC releases a survey to all public library directors requesting information on current hotspot lending, cellular services in the library's service area, and interest in participation in the new program. The survey remains open for two weeks. |
|
May 26 – June 11, 2021 |
Vendor Selection and ContractingMBLC will analyze the survey results to determine how many hotspots to procure in total, whether a single vendor or multiple vendors will be necessary, and approximately how many hotspots will be allocated to each library. |
|
Early June, 2021 |
Q&A with MBLCMBLC will run one or more Q&A sessions to discuss the upcoming program with libraries considering participation. |
|
Mid June, 2021 |
Formal Request for ParticipationLibraries will complete a brief form confirming their wish to participate and certify that they will abide by the program rules. |
|
Late June, 2021 |
Notification to Each ParticipantMBLC will notify each partipating library about the number of hotspots, the vendor selected for that city/town, and the estimated delivery date. |
|
July, 2021 |
Hotspots Delivered to Libraries |
|
July / August, 2021 |
Orientation and TrainingLibraries will receive initial training to help them prepare to circulate hotspots. |
|
Summer 2021 – September 2022 |
Libraries continue to lend hotspotsLibraries circulate hotspots. Circulation figures will be reported as part of normal ARIS data collection. |
|
October 1, 2022 |
Libraries keep hotspots or return to MBLCMBLC will no longer pay for mobile hotspot data plans or monthly equipment costs, if any, after September, 2022. The ARPA funds supporting this program through IMLS must be expended by this deadline. |