This is a continuation of the REAL project to revolutionize Missouri Libraries. You can read more about it here.
MOREnet Updates Entire Network Architecture of a Six-Branch Library System in One Day
When Frankie Lea Hannan moved from the Carolina Coast to become the director of the Riverside Regional Library system in southeastern Missouri, she was excited for the challenge of leading a six-branch system that spanned three counties. Hannan and her family were delighted by the slower pace of life that southern Missouri offered, but she knew that she would inherit a varied array of responsibilities with her new position as director. She quickly learned that the six branches had outdated equipment, so she made it her first goal to improve both technology and equipment. “Our newest computers were from 2018.”
As a member of the MOREnet consortium, they were able to utilize network expert, Josh Noble, to evaluate the network. “We found out that our network did not have a private side for staff and a separate side for patrons”, stated Hannan. Noble confirmed that made the library system vulnerable, “…because you never know who is going to come in and connect to the network and what they’re going to do once they’re in.” Hannan also found out that their firewalls needed to be updated, and the filters were not working as they should.
As Josh walked Frankie through the process, she learned that the library system was eligible for Remote Electronic Access for Libraries (REAL) funds available through funding from HB12 and the program through Missouri State Library to upgrade their technology, making the network more efficient and secure for staff and patrons. Once Frankie received board approval, Josh staged Fortinet switches, access points and firewalls for installation, while also preparing a MOREnet team to reconfigure the entirety of the six-branch system in one fell swoop.
Just before the 2024 winter holidays, the team of five MOREnet network experts began the installation process. The team started with the three largest branches and executed their plan; once everything was installed and working as it should, they moved on to the remaining three branches. The entire project was completed in one day. “It was definitely a team effort synchronizing that process with minimal downtime for the branches”, stated Noble, “At the end of the day, seeing the piles of old equipment that had all been replaced was rewarding.” In addition to the updated network, the REAL funding also includes five years of management, which leaves Riverside Library with a stronger network and a safer security posture for years to come.
Prior to coming to Riverside, Director Hannan had an IT professional on staff. “I never had to think of the more intricate side of IT. Everyone at MOREnet has been amazing, always willing to step up and help us. I feel like I understand more than I did when we started.” Noble is pleased with the results at Riverside, and glad they were able to utilize funds from the REAL program. “The REAL funds were a game changer. Having the budget for an install of this magnitude would be very difficult, and at best, it would have needed to happen in stages without the REAL funds.” When asked if she would recommend working with MOREnet to others, Hannan was resolute in her response: “I would recommend this to anyone in a heartbeat.”
Thanks to funding from HB12 and the Remote Electronic Access for Libraries (REAL) program through Missouri State Library, 133 libraries in the state of Missouri are now using new network and security solutions to improve their bandwidth and protect their locations from data breaches and cybersecurity attacks.