NCompass Live - Sept.24, 2014 http://nlc.nebraska.gov/ncompasslive/ In this month’s Tech Talk, Michael will be speaking with Laura Marlane, the Executive Director of the Providence (RI) Community Library, and Katherine Messier, the Managing Director of Mobile Beacon, about how libraries can provide mobile WiFi hotspots to their patrons.

1. Expanding Library Services
with Mobile Technology

2. Who We Are
We’re educators too, on a mission.
• 501(c)(3) nonprofit and the 2nd largest national educational
broadband service (EBS) licensee in the U.S.
• The mission of EBS, to power education through broadband, is the
keystone of our organization. It’s the basis for our pricing and
programs, which seek to bring equal educational and digital
opportunity to all Americans.
“Broadband has greater potential to transform education than any
other technological innovation of our lifetime.” – FCC

3. How We Help
Expand broadband Helping libraries overcome challenges: access, affordably:
• Unlimited 4G data plans for $10/month
• 4G device donation program through
TechSoup.org
• No red tape: libraries decide where
to use our service and who can use it
• 67% of libraries are the only source of free
Internet in their community; yet, 50% lack
sufficient Internet access to meet their
patrons’ needs.
• 88% of state library agencies report their
libraries need more bandwidth within 2/yrs

4. Top Library Use Cases
• Create an inexpensive, back-up Internet
source if your primary connection fails
• Load-balance network traffic through a
separate Internet source to improve
connectivity during peak times
• Internet lending programs for patrons without
home Internet access
• Hotspots facilitate bringing library resources
into the community (mobile labs, book mobiles,
and other community outreach)
Expand Broadband Access
On- and Off-Site

5. 4G Devices
Wi-Fi Modem:
A modem with integrated
Wi-Fi router connects
10+ devices
USB Modem:
Mobile access for
one laptop, computer,
or PC tablet
Mobile Hotspot:
A portable, wireless
hotspot that connects
up to 8 Wi-Fi devices

6. Learn More & Contact Us
www.mobilebeacon.org • Blog.mobilebeacon.org
Facebook.com/MobileBeacon Twitter.com/MobileBeacon

7. Learn More & Contact Us
www.mobilebeacon.org • Blog.mobilebeacon.org
Facebook.com/MobileBeacon Twitter.com/MobileBeacon