Rodman Library Upgrades Internet Services

Over the past year, Rodman Public Library has experienced bottlenecks with its connection to the Internet. As a result, patrons and staff often had to wait for web pages, email, and downloads to occur.

Recently, the State of Ohio and the Ohio Public Library Information Network (OPLIN) were able to upgrade the library's aging T-1 line to a 4Mb Metro Ethernet connection. This increased the speed and bandwidth of the library's connection by nearly 300%. OPLIN and the State of Ohio are the suppliers of Internet connections to 250 public libraries throughout the state.

"Unlike home or small business broadband connections from phone, cable, or satellite providers, the library's Internet connection is not shared by anyone and is dedicated for full speed up and down," says OPLIN's technology manager Karl Jendretzky. Rodman Public Library has a dedicated direct connection to the Internet through the State of Ohio's infrastructure.

The library also offers free wi-fi service at both the Main Library and the Carnation City Mall Branch. Anyone with a laptop, smartphone, or other wi-fi enabled device may stop in to either location and use the Internet free of charge. "Our public computers are in high demand and offering the wi-fi service helps more patrons to be able to use the Internet," stated Karen Perone, Head of Systems.

In addition, 14 new PCs were added to the Reference Department Computer Center to replace and expand the aging public computers. The purchase was funded by an anonymous donor. "We are happy to offer better Internet access and faster computers to our patrons," said Director Pat Stone of the increased bandwidth availability and new equipment. "With so many needs for Internet access, the faster network will be a win-win situation for all."