WhoFi

Iowa public libraries have access to tools from WhoFi, including a usage counter to monitor and track the number of devices on a wireless network, as well as a calendar program planner and registration tool. Data collected in WhoFi tools is automatically added to the Public Library Annual Survey each year. The WhoFi tools are provided at no cost to Iowa public libraries and is paid for by the State Library's federal funding appropriation from the Institute of Museum & Library Services. 

WiFi Usage Counter

WhoFi provides public libraries with wireless usage statistics and easy-to-read reports. Data from Who-Fi will allow directors to easily complete questions on the Public Library Annual Survey related to wireless usage. In addition, insights from the reports can help convey the story of the library’s impact on the community and help make data driven decisions on technology, programming, and more.

Community Calendar

Community Calendar is a program planner tool from WhoFi allows libraries to schedule, manage, and count attendance at library programs and events. Data recorded in the tool will automatically transfer over to the Public Library Annual Survey at the end of the fiscal year. Libraries can access Community Calendar by logging into the same WhoFi account they use for wi-fi usage.

Program Registration

Preparing and planning for programs is now simpler with the WhoFi Community Calendar’s new optional registration feature. How does it work? Patrons can register for events from the library website's integrated calendar. Registered patrons will receive a confirmation email upon registration and a reminder email before the event to help increase the likelihood of attendance. All events utilizing registration can be viewed in one place for staff to manage and prepare for events. By using registration, libraries can better prepare for capacity and potential material constraints.

Question Sets

Question Sets in WhoFi makes it easier for you to track and leverage the statistics you keep for the Annual Survey, report to your Board or City, and use to advance change in your library and community. Question Sets removes the many burdens involved throughout the data collection and reporting process and standardizes and centralizes the unique information libraries collect throughout the year. And it can auto-fill some questions on the Annual Survey for you each year!

Meeting Room Scheduler

Using this tool, patrons can easily discover available meeting room spaces and amenities through the library's website and then reserve those spaces online.  Meeting Rooms seamlessly integrates with WhoFi's Community Calendar, avoiding double bookings, ensuring a synchronized approach to managing library programs and patron spaces. All public libraries in Iowa are eligible to use the Meeting Rooms feature, whether using other WhoFi products or not. Using Meeting Rooms applies a tech solution to what can be a cumbersome process, enhancing patron experiences and freeing up staff time.

2025 Enhancements

WhoFi made some recent enhancements to their platform based on feedback from librarians:

• Registration Summary Emails: Librarians expressed a need for a clearer snapshot of upcoming program registrations.  So WhoFi created daily email summaries. With this feature, library staff can easily stay informed of attendee changes and better prepare for events without having to manually track sign-ups.
• Booking Fixed Equipment (Makerspaces and More): Another frequent request from librarians was a simpler way for patrons to reserve specialized equipment like CNC machines, laser printers, and sewing stations. In response, WhoFi introduced an equipment booking tool that makes it effortless to showcase availability andschedule time on these valuable resources—all from the library’s own website.
• Programs Visible in Search Engines: Many libraries mentioned wanting to increase program attendance by getting the word out beyond their usual channels. WhoFi’s latest enhancement tackles this challenge by allowing search engines like Google to find and promote library events. This means more people discovering (and attending) the programs your library has to offer.

The WhoFi team is ready to walk librarians through the details and answer any questions; contact them at support@whofi.com. 

Tutorials & Training

Support & Troubleshooting

Technical questions or troubleshooting on any of the WhoFi tools should be directed to WhoFi support.

Funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services

This program or resource is made possible in part by the IMLS under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by the State Library of Iowa.

Find out more about Federal LSTA funding