CORNWALL, Ontario – In addition to the multitude of books available to guests at the SD&G County Library, visitors will soon be able to sign out the internet as well.
The pilot project is expected to be in full-swing by July, and will allow patrons to borrow the internet with the help of 15 mobile hotspot units. The unit will have the capacity to hook up to up to 10 devices, allowing entire households to benefit.
This will essentially allow people to ‘borrow the internet like you would borrow a book or a museum pass,’ says Susan Wallwork, Communications and Marketing Librarian for the SD&G County Library.
If users fail to bring the device back before the agreed 10-day rental period, the data would be turned off. Library staff are currently undergoing training on the devices, and any issues that may arise once the project is officially launched.
This program will allow users who do not have internet access at home the opportunity to use the internet for their various needs. It will also give users access to unlimited data, making school projects, job applications, and everything in between an easier feat for those living without Wi-Fi.
According to the World Bank’s 2016 World Development Report, 60 percent of the world’s population do not have access to the Internet.
Funded by the United Counties, Wallwork says it’s an expansion on services already offered by the library. “We’re very excited to offer this to the public,” said Wallwork. “We think it’s an excellent way to continue providing information to those who need it.”
Similar internet lending services are already in existence, and have received high praise from those using the service.
