In an effort to obtain guidance from within the sector, in March of 2021 a Lendable Connectivity Working Group was struck, comprised of 6 libraries (3 lower mainland, 3 outside). They met over the next 4 months to investigate the feasibility of different approaches to lending out hotspots or connected devices, to help inform a possible provincial pilot in 2022. Their final report and recommendations are now available at https://digiprojects.libraries.coop/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Lendable-Connectivity-Report-FINAL-Nov242021.pdf.

Any pilot in 2022 will be on the basis of funds remaining from the one-time DIP funding, which will become clear as 2021 comes to an end. Stay tuned for announcements soon.