Montana State University

Hotspot Lending Program for Rural Students

Problem

Lack of reliable internet, devices, or digital skills cuts people off from work, education, health care, and civic life. In a world where services have moved online, being without access is a fundamental barrier to participation.

Solution

In August 2020 the Montana State University Library received a $12,000 Network of the National Library of Medicine grant (project 'Bridging the Gap: Ensuring Digital Equity through WiFi Hotspot Lending', lead Meghan Salsbury) to lend Wi-Fi hotspots with data plans to high-need students on medium- to long-term checkouts through an application process; the proposal asked for four hotspots and by May 2021 the library described 17. Salsbury and Mary Anne Hansen published the program in portal: Libraries and the Academy (January 2022). As of 2026 the library lends Verizon hotspots to students, staff and faculty on one-week, first-come first-served loans.

Patterns used: Digital Access Bridge

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