Outernet Library Branch – Wave Farm is a receiving station for Outernet data transmissions installed in June 2016 for long-term operation on the grounds of Wave Farm, in Acra, New York.
UPDATE Spring 2018: An Unofficial History of the Outernet So Far [here as PDF] brochure publication to accompany the installation.
The Outernet (https://outernet.is/), an expanding library collection of data broadcast from a network of satellites in space, is a new and separate system outside the Internet. Envisioned as an open, worldwide, and collaborative platform, the Outernet allows its users to participate in the selection of what it contains. An Outernet library receiving station collects transmissions and stores files locally; those files can then be accessed by wireless devices within range of the station.
Outernet Library Branch–Wave Farm features a satellite dish antenna surrounded by Adirondack-chair-inspired seating, with a bench oriented toward each cardinal direction. The WiFi network access area is defined by a large mowed meadow. In addition to seating, the structure houses a box for electronics and a single physical library reference book located under the east bench. On entering the library area and perhaps taking a seat, a library branch visitor may read, view, listen to, and save library materials using a browser on their cell phone, tablet or computer.
