Westminster City Council has become the first local authority in the UK to install WiFi in all of its libraries.
The hotspots in the council’s 13 library buildings and its archive centre are meeting increasing demand for the technology from library users.
‘We have been getting lots of comments and requests for WiFi over the past three years,’ said Chris Lally, development manager ICT at Westminster Libraries.
‘It updates our libraries image and is giving customers the modern technology they want. The technology should free up public access in our libraries.’
The technology is initially being introduced as a year-long trial with BT, which has installed its Openzone hotspots.
The WiFi hotspot pilot is part of the council’s ongoing Wireless City project.
During the trial, Lally says the council will monitor levels and types of use for the service which will be charged at BT Openzone standard rates.
Lally says more and more users, from students to business people, have been asking for WiFi since wireless PCs became commonplace.
‘People can use their own laptops and their own software, increasing flexibility and access. For example, people with disabilities can use their own disability software,’ said Lally.
