A new Pew Internet report on Wireless Internet Access was just released. I know that WiFi has been growing by leaps and bounds, but I was still surprised to read that one-third of all internet users have attached to WiFi using a mobile device. Half of those using wireless do so outside of home/work. So it’s now very clear that providing free hotspots is a great way to keep libraries relevant.
On the flip side, someone in Alaska was busted for “borrowing” library WiFi after hours. The library itself has not commented on the case yet, but this is definitely some bad publicity for libraries in general. I guess you could make arguments both ways, but I’m in the camp that believes there is nothing wrong with a library providing WiFi access when the building is closed. Libraries that don’t wish to do so should turn off the wireless or use a gateway to disable it after hours. Libraries are now offering 24-hour services/resources on their web sites. So why not leave the WiFi on so patrons can get to them?
