1. FAQ now available for BadgerNet fiber grant
2. Planning for School Library Media Summit moves forward
3. IMLS encourages participation in America: The Story of Us contests
4. First-ever national study: Millions of people rely on library computers for employment, health, and education
5. Website of the Week - Statistical Abstract of the United States
6. Calendar
=================================================
1. FAQ NOW AVAILABLE FOR BADGERNET FIBER GRANT
A new FAQ on the Department of Administration's (DOA) BadgerNet fiber grant is now linked to the DPI's broadband site at http://pld.dpi.wi.gov/pld_arrabbfunding, March update section. This FAQ includes questions related to the amount of bandwidth each library and school will get, the role of library systems, costs covered by the grant and possible local costs, and other topics.
As of this date the DOA has not yet received the grant administrative paperwork from the federal Department of Commerce. Until all the paperwork is completed some aspects of the project are on hold. Also, DOA has been informed that a formal environmental impact statement will need to be done for all 467 sites getting fiber. This will likely delay the start of actual fiber installation to June or later. If you have any questions on the fiber grant, contact Bob Bocher, DPI Library Technology Consultant, at 608-266-2127 or Robert.bocher@dpi.wi.gov.
2. PLANNING FOR SCHOOL LIBRARY MEDIA SUMMIT MOVES FORWARD
In response to a steady decline in the number of certified school library media specialists providing services to K-12 students in Wisconsin, the Council on Library and Network Development (COLAND) and State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Evers will co-sponsor a School Library Media Summit, scheduled for April 29-30, 2010, in Rothschild. Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) funding has been approved to support this endeavor. Individuals selected to attend the summit will include school library media specialists, technology professionals, classroom teachers, school district administrators, school board members, public library staff, and other stakeholders.
A summit planning committee has been selected representing groups currently involved in decisions impacting staffing, budget, and policy in schools throughout the state. The planning committee will define the issues and questions that will be the focus of the summit, addressing the critical issues related not only to the staffing challenges but also to the need for students to have access to the educators and resources they need as 21st century learners. Summit participants will identify and recommend specific items for follow up action after the summit; a group of summit attendees will meet again at a later date to reassess the progress and results of these action items.
Additional information about the summit will be available in the next few weeks.
3. IMLS ENCOURAGES PARTICIPATION IN AMERICA: THE STORY OF US CONTESTS
The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), together with HISTORYTM and the President's Council on the Arts and the Humanities, invites libraries and students across the United States to flex their creative muscles and share their passion for American history by participating in HISTORYTM's America: The Story of Us contests. For libraries, the contest entails creating a special exhibit or media project about American history that will strengthen their communities' interest in American history. Students are asked to create a short video based on any topic related to American history and are encouraged to reach out to local libraries, historical societies, and archives for information on their own local history or on the American history topic that interests them most.
"These contests are exciting opportunities to promote learning about American history and explore our nation's diverse heritage," said Marsha Semmel, Acting Director of IMLS. "We are delighted that HISTORY TM is reaching out to the nation's libraries to encourage a community dialogue about America's past."
Please refer to HISTORYTM's website for more information at http://www.history.com/shows/classroom/articles/classroom-whats-new.
4. FIRST-EVER NATIONAL STUDY: MILLIONS OF PEOPLE RELY ON LIBRARY COMPUTERS FOR EMPLOYMENT, HEALTH, AND EDUCATION
Nearly one-third of Americans age 14 or older - roughly 77 million people - used a public library computer or wireless network to access the Internet in the past year, according to a national report released this week. In 2009, as the nation struggled through a recession, people relied on library technology to find work, apply for college, secure government benefits, learn about critical medical treatments, and connect with their communities.
The report, "Opportunity for All: How the American Public Benefits from Internet Access at U.S. Libraries," is based on the first, large-scale study of who uses public computers and Internet access in public libraries, the ways library patrons use this free technology service, why they use it, and how it affects their lives. It was conducted by the University of Washington Information School and funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
Low-income adults are more likely to rely on the public library as their sole access to computers and the Internet than any other income group. Overall, 44 percent of people living below the federal poverty line used computers and the Internet at their public libraries.
Americans across all age groups reported they used library computers and Internet access. Teenagers are the most active users. Half of the nation's 14- to 18-year-olds reported that they used a library computer during the past year, typically to do school homework.
"People from all walks of life use library computers to perform routine and life-changing tasks, from emailing friends to finding jobs," said Michael Crandall, senior lecturer and chair of the Master of Science in Information Management at the University of Washington Information School. "More than three-quarters of those who used the library Internet connections had access at home, work, or elsewhere. Oftentimes, they needed a faster connection, assistance from a librarian, or temporary access in an emergency."
The use of library technology had significant impact in four critical areas: employment, education, health, and making community connections. In the last 12 months:
* 40 percent of library computer users (an estimated 30 million people) received help with career needs. Among these users, 75 percent reported they searched for a job online. Half of these users filled out an online application or submitted a resume.
* 37 percent focused on health issues. The vast majority of these users (82 percent) logged on to learn about a disease, illness, or medical condition. One-third of these users sought out doctors or health care providers. Of these, about half followed up by making appointments for care.
* 42 percent received help with educational needs. Among these users, 37 percent (an estimated 12 million students) used their local library computer to do homework for a class.
* Library computers linked patrons to their government, communities, and civic organizations. Sixty-percent of users - 43.3 million people - used a library's computer resources to connect with others.
The library's role as a technology resource has exploded since 1996, when only 28 percent of libraries offered Internet access. Today, almost all public libraries offer visitors free access to computers and the Internet.
Unfortunately, up to a third of all libraries say they lack even minimally adequate Internet connections to meet demand. More report that they cannot provide the access their patrons truly need.
"Library technology services have created opportunity for millions of Americans, but public libraries struggle to replace aging computer workstations and increase the speed of their Internet connections," said Allan Golston, president of the United States Program at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. "This study highlights what is at risk, particularly for low-income individuals who heavily rely on the public library for their technology, if future public and private investment in public libraries doesn't keep pace with demand."
The report's findings are based on nearly 50,000 surveys - including 3,176 from a national telephone survey and 44,881 web survey responses - from patrons of more than 400 public libraries across the country. The full report is available at http://tascha.washington.edu/usimpact.
5. WEBSITE OF THE WEEK
Statistical Abstract of the United States -- http://www.census.gov/compendia/statab/ -- The Statistical Abstract of the United States, from the United State Census Bureau, is the standard summary of statistics on the social, political, and economic organization of the United States. It is also designed to serve as a guide to other statistical publications and sources. Published since 1878, the Abstract is the authoritative and comprehensive summary of statistics on the social, political, and economic organization of the United States.
6. CALENDAR
March 26, 2010 - Council on Library and Network Development (COLAND) meeting, by webinar
April 1-30, 2010 - School Library Month
April 11-17, 2010 - National Library Week
April 20-21, 2010 - Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) Advisory Committee meeting, Madison
April 20-23, 2010 - Wisconsin Association of Academic Librarians (WAAL) conference, Milwaukee
April 28-30, 2010 - Wisconsin Association of Public Libraries (WAPL) annual conference, Sheboygan
April 29-30, 2010 - School Library Staffing Summit, Rothschild
May 10-11, 2010 - WiscNet conference, Madison
June 24-29, 2010 - American Library Association conference, Washington, D.C.
==================================================
To access previous issues of Channel Weekly, or to subscribe or unsubscribe,
go to: http://channel.dpi.wi.gov/chn_chweekly
==================================================
Roslyn M. Wise
Editor, Channel Weekly
Department of Public Instruction
Division for Libraries, Technology, and Community Learning
PO Box 7841
Madison, WI 53707-7841
Phone: (608) 266-6439
FAX: (609) 267-9207
2. Planning for School Library Media Summit moves forward
3. IMLS encourages participation in America: The Story of Us contests
4. First-ever national study: Millions of people rely on library computers for employment, health, and education
5. Website of the Week - Statistical Abstract of the United States
6. Calendar
=================================================
1. FAQ NOW AVAILABLE FOR BADGERNET FIBER GRANT
A new FAQ on the Department of Administration's (DOA) BadgerNet fiber grant is now linked to the DPI's broadband site at http://pld.dpi.wi.gov/pld_arrabbfunding, March update section. This FAQ includes questions related to the amount of bandwidth each library and school will get, the role of library systems, costs covered by the grant and possible local costs, and other topics.
As of this date the DOA has not yet received the grant administrative paperwork from the federal Department of Commerce. Until all the paperwork is completed some aspects of the project are on hold. Also, DOA has been informed that a formal environmental impact statement will need to be done for all 467 sites getting fiber. This will likely delay the start of actual fiber installation to June or later. If you have any questions on the fiber grant, contact Bob Bocher, DPI Library Technology Consultant, at 608-266-2127 or Robert.bocher@dpi.wi.gov.
2. PLANNING FOR SCHOOL LIBRARY MEDIA SUMMIT MOVES FORWARD
In response to a steady decline in the number of certified school library media specialists providing services to K-12 students in Wisconsin, the Council on Library and Network Development (COLAND) and State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Evers will co-sponsor a School Library Media Summit, scheduled for April 29-30, 2010, in Rothschild. Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) funding has been approved to support this endeavor. Individuals selected to attend the summit will include school library media specialists, technology professionals, classroom teachers, school district administrators, school board members, public library staff, and other stakeholders.
A summit planning committee has been selected representing groups currently involved in decisions impacting staffing, budget, and policy in schools throughout the state. The planning committee will define the issues and questions that will be the focus of the summit, addressing the critical issues related not only to the staffing challenges but also to the need for students to have access to the educators and resources they need as 21st century learners. Summit participants will identify and recommend specific items for follow up action after the summit; a group of summit attendees will meet again at a later date to reassess the progress and results of these action items.
Additional information about the summit will be available in the next few weeks.
3. IMLS ENCOURAGES PARTICIPATION IN AMERICA: THE STORY OF US CONTESTS
The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), together with HISTORYTM and the President's Council on the Arts and the Humanities, invites libraries and students across the United States to flex their creative muscles and share their passion for American history by participating in HISTORYTM's America: The Story of Us contests. For libraries, the contest entails creating a special exhibit or media project about American history that will strengthen their communities' interest in American history. Students are asked to create a short video based on any topic related to American history and are encouraged to reach out to local libraries, historical societies, and archives for information on their own local history or on the American history topic that interests them most.
"These contests are exciting opportunities to promote learning about American history and explore our nation's diverse heritage," said Marsha Semmel, Acting Director of IMLS. "We are delighted that HISTORY TM is reaching out to the nation's libraries to encourage a community dialogue about America's past."
Please refer to HISTORYTM's website for more information at http://www.history.com/shows/classroom/articles/classroom-whats-new.
4. FIRST-EVER NATIONAL STUDY: MILLIONS OF PEOPLE RELY ON LIBRARY COMPUTERS FOR EMPLOYMENT, HEALTH, AND EDUCATION
Nearly one-third of Americans age 14 or older - roughly 77 million people - used a public library computer or wireless network to access the Internet in the past year, according to a national report released this week. In 2009, as the nation struggled through a recession, people relied on library technology to find work, apply for college, secure government benefits, learn about critical medical treatments, and connect with their communities.
The report, "Opportunity for All: How the American Public Benefits from Internet Access at U.S. Libraries," is based on the first, large-scale study of who uses public computers and Internet access in public libraries, the ways library patrons use this free technology service, why they use it, and how it affects their lives. It was conducted by the University of Washington Information School and funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
Low-income adults are more likely to rely on the public library as their sole access to computers and the Internet than any other income group. Overall, 44 percent of people living below the federal poverty line used computers and the Internet at their public libraries.
Americans across all age groups reported they used library computers and Internet access. Teenagers are the most active users. Half of the nation's 14- to 18-year-olds reported that they used a library computer during the past year, typically to do school homework.
"People from all walks of life use library computers to perform routine and life-changing tasks, from emailing friends to finding jobs," said Michael Crandall, senior lecturer and chair of the Master of Science in Information Management at the University of Washington Information School. "More than three-quarters of those who used the library Internet connections had access at home, work, or elsewhere. Oftentimes, they needed a faster connection, assistance from a librarian, or temporary access in an emergency."
The use of library technology had significant impact in four critical areas: employment, education, health, and making community connections. In the last 12 months:
* 40 percent of library computer users (an estimated 30 million people) received help with career needs. Among these users, 75 percent reported they searched for a job online. Half of these users filled out an online application or submitted a resume.
* 37 percent focused on health issues. The vast majority of these users (82 percent) logged on to learn about a disease, illness, or medical condition. One-third of these users sought out doctors or health care providers. Of these, about half followed up by making appointments for care.
* 42 percent received help with educational needs. Among these users, 37 percent (an estimated 12 million students) used their local library computer to do homework for a class.
* Library computers linked patrons to their government, communities, and civic organizations. Sixty-percent of users - 43.3 million people - used a library's computer resources to connect with others.
The library's role as a technology resource has exploded since 1996, when only 28 percent of libraries offered Internet access. Today, almost all public libraries offer visitors free access to computers and the Internet.
Unfortunately, up to a third of all libraries say they lack even minimally adequate Internet connections to meet demand. More report that they cannot provide the access their patrons truly need.
"Library technology services have created opportunity for millions of Americans, but public libraries struggle to replace aging computer workstations and increase the speed of their Internet connections," said Allan Golston, president of the United States Program at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. "This study highlights what is at risk, particularly for low-income individuals who heavily rely on the public library for their technology, if future public and private investment in public libraries doesn't keep pace with demand."
The report's findings are based on nearly 50,000 surveys - including 3,176 from a national telephone survey and 44,881 web survey responses - from patrons of more than 400 public libraries across the country. The full report is available at http://tascha.washington.edu/usimpact.
5. WEBSITE OF THE WEEK
Statistical Abstract of the United States -- http://www.census.gov/compendia/statab/ -- The Statistical Abstract of the United States, from the United State Census Bureau, is the standard summary of statistics on the social, political, and economic organization of the United States. It is also designed to serve as a guide to other statistical publications and sources. Published since 1878, the Abstract is the authoritative and comprehensive summary of statistics on the social, political, and economic organization of the United States.
6. CALENDAR
March 26, 2010 - Council on Library and Network Development (COLAND) meeting, by webinar
April 1-30, 2010 - School Library Month
April 11-17, 2010 - National Library Week
April 20-21, 2010 - Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) Advisory Committee meeting, Madison
April 20-23, 2010 - Wisconsin Association of Academic Librarians (WAAL) conference, Milwaukee
April 28-30, 2010 - Wisconsin Association of Public Libraries (WAPL) annual conference, Sheboygan
April 29-30, 2010 - School Library Staffing Summit, Rothschild
May 10-11, 2010 - WiscNet conference, Madison
June 24-29, 2010 - American Library Association conference, Washington, D.C.
==================================================
To access previous issues of Channel Weekly, or to subscribe or unsubscribe,
go to: http://channel.dpi.wi.gov/chn_chweekly
==================================================
Roslyn M. Wise
Editor, Channel Weekly
Department of Public Instruction
Division for Libraries, Technology, and Community Learning
PO Box 7841
Madison, WI 53707-7841
Phone: (608) 266-6439
FAX: (609) 267-9207
For questions about this information, contact Roslyn Wise (608) 266-6439