KNOW YOUR BTOP Libraries and the Broadband Stimulus Programs

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KNOW YOUR BTOPLibraries and the Broadband
Stimulus Programs

• American Library AssociationWashington Office
• Lynne E. Bradley
• Know Your Stimulus Webinar - July 22, 2009

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Great opportunities for libraries

• Libraries natural fit for PCC Adoption programs
  in BTOP
• Think strategically be collaborative
• Read the NOFA guidelines closely
• Be innovative clear.

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Two major BTOP programs

• In NTIAs
• Broadband Telecommunications Opportunity Program
• Public Computer Centers
• Sustainable Broadband Adoption

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Priority for projects

• Providing BB education, awareness, training,
  access, equipment support to community anchor
  institutions
• Improving access for public safety agencies
• Stimulating the demand for BB, economic growth
  job creation.

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NTIA will also consider

• Demographics, size scope of the populations to
  be served, capacity of the proposed centers
• Project substantially completed in two years and
  finished in 3 years.

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Other guidelines

• Expenses associated with conducting BB awareness
  campaigns, computer training workshops, digital
  literacy programs and developing web-based
  content are considered eligible costs as to
  reasonable compensation for qualities instructors
  for these types of programs.

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Use the Opportunities

• NTIA has publicly recognized the unique power of
  public libraries working together
• Think smart be innovative target your audience
  
• Contact your state library agency, regionals
  other libraries in your region/state
• Coordinate with other local government
  community entities
• Work with other anchor institutions
• Collaborate aggregate.

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EXAMPLES OF PROJECTS1 Regional Library
Consortium

• A regional library consortium could apply on
  behalf of its members to upgrade their public
  computing labs, including the routers, switches
  hubs that will allow them to increase capacity.
• Apply for E-rate support for the increased
  capacity.
• Matching funds could come from participating
  municipalities or consortium dues, or in-kind
  through labor at member libraries the
  consortium.
• Showcase innovations enabled by the improved BB
  capacity, especially for purposes highlighted in
  the ARRA such as promoting employment
  opportunities economic competitiveness.

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EXAMPLES OF PROJECTS2 Library Job Center

• A stated purpose of the broadband section of the
  ARRA is job creation. With the general condition
  of the economy, libraries are in a prime position
  to establish new, or enhance existing, community
  job centers.
• A library might
• Purchase extra workstations that are reserved for
  those seeking jobs or filling out applications
• Make modest architectural modifications to the
  library to create a dedicated space
• Purchase resume writing software
• Purchase high resolution printers for printing
  resumes
• Collaborate with local Labor Dept. on job banks,
  employment info., etc.
• Offering workshops on job skills, resume writing,
  tips on how to prepare for interviews, et cetera.
  

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EXAMPLES OF PROJECTS3 Library Small Business
Center

• Many small business owners already rely upon
  local public libraries to perform basic
  functions. ARRA is opportunity to create a
  dedicated space to serve this segment of your
  local community.
• Consider
• Costs related to remodeling the library to create
  a dedicated space
• Purchase of workstations or other equipment for a
  dedicated small business workspace and/or
• Business software for use by small business
  owners.

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EXAMPLES OF PROJECTS4 Serving Patrons with
Disabilities

• The PCC category directly references making the
  librarys workstations accessible for patrons
  with disabilities. Eligible costs could be
• Workstations with large screen displays and
  screen reader software, input devices,
  headphones, or other accessibility tools
• Special/modified furniture and modifications to
  facilities and/or
• Staff training costs or using outside trainers to
  offer classes or more individualized help to the
  disabled on how to use the Web find jobs.

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EXAMPLES OF PROJECTS5 Technology Training for
Patrons

• PCC category enables libraries to provide
  workshops training on wide variety of
  Web-related topics conducted by library staff or
  outside experts. (Note Applications will be
  partly evaluated on the expertise of the workshop
  presenter.)
• Workshops might cover
• Basic computing skills for special populations
  such as senior citizens or vulnerable populations
  as defined in the NOFA
• Issues on privacy and security in the networked
  world
• Basic/advanced searching and how to get the most
  out Web search engines
• Enhancing critical thinking skills online
• A tour of the best sites on a host of topics,
  such as financial, health care, job
  search/employment, or travel or
• Local/state/federal government resources
  available on the Web.

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EXAMPLES OF PROJECTS6 Upgrades to Network
Hardware

• In PCC applications, a library may propose
  local area network (LAN) or small wide area
  network (WAN) design within the library facility.
  
• (Note larger infrastructure projects will need
  to apply for a Broadband Infrastructure grant
  (page 76 in the BTOP Grant Guidelines).
• Variety of hardware network equipment eligible
  for a PCC grant including
• Workstations and software
• Routers, switches, hubs
• Other LAN components such as firewalls or
  networking monitoring tools
• LAN design and consulting costs and
• Establishing a wireless access point.