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G2S Project Code: 2016-IN-77254
State: Indiana
Fiscal Year: 2016
Grantee
KOKOMO-HOWARD COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY

Project Director
Director Name: Lou Ann Stroup
Director Phone: (765) 626-0842
Director Email: lstroup@khcpl.org
General Information
Title: WiFi Hotspots
State Project Code: T16-1-1(15)
Start Date: 08/09/2016
End Date: 04/30/2017
Abstract: Kokomo-Howard County PL provided 24 WiFi hotspots and 1 WiFi Hotspot Projector – all with access to unlimited data – for patrons to check-out. Many patrons in the KHCPL service area qualify as low income urban or underserved rural and do not have reliable internet access; the devices, which check out for a week at a time, provide access anywhere with unthrottled data speeds.
State Goal: Information Access
Budget Information
LSTA
MATCH-State
MATCH-Other
Total
$10,000.00
$0.00
$1,149.00
$11,149.00
Intent(s)
Improve users’ ability to obtain and/or use information resources.
Digital Literacy
Activities
Activity Details
Title: Circulation of wifi hotspots
Narrative: Kokomo-Howard County Public Library circulated 24 wifi hotspots one wifi projector to patrons 18 years and older. The devices had unlimited data and could connect up to eight devices at a time.
Intent: Improve users’ ability to obtain and/or use information resources.

Activity: Content
Mode: Lending
Format: Physical


Quantity
Total number of items circulated: 25
Average number of items circulated / month: 100
Total number of ILL transactions: 0
Average number of ILL transactions / month: 0


Partner Information
Organization Type of Partner Organization(s):
Libraries: No
Historical Societies or Organizations: No
Museums: No
Archives: No
Cultural Heritage Organization Multi-type: No
Preschools: No
Schools: No
Adult Education: No
Human Service Organizations: No
Other: No


Legal Type of Partner Organization(s):
Federal Government: No
State Government: No
Local Government (excluding school districts): No
School District: No
Non-Profit: No
Private Sector: No
Tribe/Native Hawaiian Organization: No


Beneficiaries
Is the activity directed at the library workforce: No
For a targeted group or for the general population: Targeted
Geographic community of the targeted group: Rural
For what age groups: 6-12 years
13-17 years
18-25 years
26-49 years
50-59 years
60-69 years
70+ years
For what economic types: Economic Not Applicable
For what ethnicity types: Ethnicity Not Applicable
Is the activity directed at families: No
Is the activity directed at intergenerational groups: No
Is the activity directed at immigrants/refugees: No
Is the activity directed at those with disabilities: No
Limited functional literacy or informational skills: No
Is the activity category not already captured: No


Locale
Is the activity state-wide: No
Specific Locations: Yes
Name: KOKOMO-HOWARD COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 220 NORTH UNION STREET
City: KOKOMO
State: IN
Zip: 46901
Project Outcomes
Project Outcomes
List any important outcomes or findings not previously reported:
There were normally 60 - 70 holds for a device. Patrons reported using the devices for activities ranging from creating resumes, job-hunting, school work, and entertainment. Shortly after the library received a grant, a tornado went through the area and caused a lot of damage. Multiple patrons reported using the devices to contact insurance companies. At least one small business owner benefited from the program, as he was able to use the wifi projector to give presentations where he was previously unable to do so.
Please briefly describe the importance of these outcomes and findings for future program planning:
The high number of patrons on hold for a device at any given time suggests that internet connectivity is a valuable commodity in rural and unserved communities.
Explain one or two of the most significant lessons learned for others wanting to adopt any facets of this project:

Do you anticipate continuing this project after the current reporting period ends:
Yes
Do you anticipate any change in level of effort in managing this project:
No
Explain:

Do you anticipate changing the types of activities and objectives addressed by the project:
No
Explain:

Was an evaluation conducted for this project:
Yes
Was a final written evaluation report produced:
No
Can the final written evaluation report be shared publicly on the IMLS website:
No
Was the evaluation conducted by project staff (either SLAA or local library) or by a third-party evaluator:
Third-Party
What data collection tools were used for any report outcomes and outputs:
Did you collect any media for the data:
What types of methods were used to analyze collected data:
Other:
How were participants (or items) selected:
What type of research design did you use to compare the value for any reported output or outcome:
Exemplary: No
Exemplary Narrative
Project Tags: internet access, wifi, hotspot