Building an IT Infrastructure to Support Your Library

Libraries provide citizens with a safe space to learn about their community, the world around them, and even themselves. They provide resources to help welcome diverse populations, offer remote access opportunities, and archive historical artifacts and events. Libraries are filled with valuable information and have become the lifeblood of any community.

Challenges for Libraries Today

Libraries are an essential part of any community. However, there are a lot of unique challenges that libraries face today. The list goes on and on, from providing digital services to closing the digital divide and adopting ADA-compliant technology.

Creating the Right IT Infrastructure to Support Your Library

Building the right network to support the technology within the library and the devices citizens bring creates an inclusive and connected environment for everyone within your community. This is why ensuring that you have the right infrastructure in place is essential for libraries trying to connect citizens no matter where they are to information and resources.

What Does a Library IT Environment Look Like?

As you look to create your connected, intelligent library, it is essential to understand what makes library IT environments unique.

Your library needs high-density wi-fi connectivity to keep staff and citizens connected, whether on-premises or at home. You need interactive security to help promote public safety and keep library patrons safe. You need multilingual systems to provide an inclusive and educational environment to everyone your library supports.

A lot of different technologies go into supporting library environments today. Look at the graphic below to see some of the different types of connections and technologies your library will need to enhance the citizen experience.

Addressing the Digital Divide with Public Libraries

The digital divide is a serious problem that is impacting millions of citizens and limiting their access to valuable resources and information. In order to begin to address this gap, the federal government announced the Digital Equity Act as a part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which is awarding over $2.75 billion in grants and funding to libraries and communities to help provide wider broadband and technology access to citizens impacted by the digital divide.