In response to the struggle of many Connecticut public libraries to provide and sustain access to reliable public access computing and the Internet, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation recently awarded the State Library a Staying Connected Challenge Grant of $163,680. The Staying Connected grant helps rural and impoverished libraries to obtain, install, service, evaluate and replace technology so as to complement the ‘traditional’ library services (e.g., collections, children’s programming, etc) they do so well. The program provides support for public access computer training and subsidies of technical support. Connecticut libraries, especially those in rural and small towns, are somewhat isolated from technical help and generally lack the staffing resources to employ full-time technical support. Attending continuing education opportunities often proves difficult due to staffing, sometimes to the point of closing the library. Libraries tend to spend a proportionally large percent of budgets replacing and/or repairing technology and many face the ongoing challenge of inadequate or unreliable connections to the Internet. Training and technical support are the two main areas in which the Connecticut State Library and the Staying Connected grant help. The Connecticut State Library underwrites technical continuing education training through LSTA and other funding sources; topics include Microsoft applications, webpage design, PC survival and maintenance, specialized reference on the Internet (genealogy, legal, etc), the iCONN databases, iCONN cataloging and interlibrary loan modules. Staying Connected provides in-depth, hands-on training designed to support public access computers and networks as well as discounted technical assistance. Technical Support: Staying Connected grant funds will partially underwrite service agreements between recipient libraries and providers to help libraries acquire high quality equipment appropriate for networked public access computing environments and to install, service, maintain, protect, and, if need be, troubleshoot and repair the equipment. Training: The grant funds create on-staff experts by subsidizing technological training via a 2-day certification program; training is held at dates, times, and locations respectful of the scheduling needs of attending library staff. Training focuses on technical support of pcs and networks, including installing and maintaining operating systems and related software, upgrades, and patches, antivirus software, web browsers, and security. Maintaining and configuring local area networks, troubleshooting potential areas of concern (e.g., aging equipment, faulty wiring), technology planning, hardware installations and repairs as well as cleaning, dusting, and lubricating equipment are all key components of training. Libraries will thus become more capable of maximizing the efficiency and effectiveness of individual machines, networks and peripheral equipment. The current training is Bibliomation’s Liaison Certification Program, a 2-day technical training program. After successful completion of that program, libraries are eligible for up to half off the price of available technical support. Recent First Wave libraries who have passed the LCP training are: the Bridgeport Public Library, including the Boroughs and New Field branches; New Haven Free Public Library, including the Fair Haven branch; the Willimantic Public Library; the Jonathan Trumbull Library in Lebanon; Portland Public Library; the Babcock Library in Ashford; Voluntown Public Library; the Pomfret Public Library; the Bill Memorial Library; Canterbury Public Library; the New Britain Public Library; the Russell Library of Middletown; the Derby Public Library; the Beacon Falls Library; Richmond Memorial Library in Marlborough; the Bethel Public Library and the Gunn Memorial Library in Washington. Round 2 of the Second Wave is anticipated to open in the Fall of 2006. Anticipated Outcomes of the Staying Connected Grant Libraries will: Library staff will: Patrons will: This program will: Long-term impact will be more and better skilled library technical staff, improved technology instruction and sustainable maintenance of technological matters in rural and low-income areas. Contact: Douglas C. Lord, dlord@cslib.org, 800-437-2313.
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| Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Staying Connected Grant, Connecticut |
Libraries get: FREE PC and network competency training, deep discounts on network and technical support.
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