In the spring of 2002 the U.S. Library Program of the Bill & Melinda
Gates Foundation awarded funding to 206 Nebraska public libraries for
new computers, software, and Internet access. Additional public libraries
qualified to purchase computers with local funds and to receive (at no
charge to the library) software, training, technical support, software
documentation, and upgrades. The Library Commission provided funding to
help support these purchases.
Installation of computers and training provided by the Gates Foundation
began Fall 2002, with Before Your Computer Arrives (BYCA) workshops held
in eight sites across Nebraska. Three hundred and seventy library staff
and supporters viewed a demonstration of the computers and learned about
ordering the hardware. They also received media kits developed by the
Library Commission (using Gates Foundation materials) to help spread the
word about expanded community public access to the Internet.
As computers arrive, libraries are receiving hands-on training concerning
the operation of the computers at their individual sites, as well as attending
training at nearby libraries. Wayne Public Library, Wisner Public Library,
and Laurel Community Learning Center recently hosted group training sessions.
Lincoln City Libraries recently began construction of their Gates computer
lab, to be located on the second floor of Bennett Martin Library. Photographs
chronicling their progress are located on their Web site at <www.lcl.lib.ne.us/info/bmpllab.htm>.
Library staff and board members participating in the Public Librarian
Certification or the Public Library Board Certification program can receive
credit for training provided by Gates Foundation staff. Send a message
detailing the training title, date, location, and hours of attendance
to Pam Scott, 402-471-2694, 800-307-2665, e-mail: Pam Scott.
For information about the Public Librarian Certification, the Public Library
Board Certification program, or continuing education credits contact Pam
Scott, (contact information above).
For more information about the Gates Foundation project, including award
amounts, see <nlc.nebraska.gov>,
search on Gates or contact Pam Scott (contact information above) or Richard
Miller, 402-471-3175, 800-307-2665, e-mail: Richard Miller.
Accreditation status entitles libraries to apply for state and federal grants for library improvement projects. Accreditation of public libraries is a cyclical process, with approximately one-third of all libraries scheduled to apply for renewed accreditation each year. To view the accreditation status of Nebraska public libraries, see the Library Commission Web site <nlc.nebraska.gov>, search on Accreditation Standings . For more information contact Kit Keller, 402-471-3216, 800-307-2665, e-mail: Kit Keller.
In addition, the Schools and Libraries Division has changed the calculation method that public libraries use to determine their discount this year. A description of the discount calculation change, including a sample calculation, is available on the American Library Association Office for Information Technology Policy Web site at <www.ala.org/oitp/telcom/newcalc.html>. A template for libraries to use to obtain the necessary information from their local school district is available at <www.ala.org/oitp/telcom/
NSLPreq_print.html >. For more information or assistance in the E-rate filing process contact Pam Scott, 402-471-2694, 800-307-2665, e-mail: Pam Scott; or Richard Miller, 402-471-3175, 800-307-2665, e-mail: Richard Miller.
