Additional Information
Tools for Participants
About the Project
We are excited to announce that the Nebraska Library Commission has been awarded
$3.6 million to upgrade public computer centers in 147 library buildings across
the state. On August 18, 2010, the U.S. Department of Commerce awarded the
Library Commission a $2,416,403 grant to fund Nebraska's public computer center
project,
Library Broadband Builds Nebraska Communities. In addition to the grant
from the federal government, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation will provide
$1,251,786 in matching funds. The total project budget is $3,668,189.
The project is designed to upgrade public computing resources in libraries,
expand broadband capacity, and advance access to employment, learning, health
information, and E-Government services.
The grant funding allows the Nebraska Library
Commission to partner with critical education, business, health, and
E-Government resources to ensure that Nebraskans across the state can benefit
from enhanced technological capabilities in our local communities. Training
programs will be provided by key project partners - such as
Central Community College,
Nebraska Department of Labor,
Nebraska Court Administrator's Office,
Nebraska Community Foundation,
Center for Rural Affairs,
Center for Rural Entrepreneurship,
University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension,
University of Nebraska Medical Center, McGoogan Library of Medicine,
and the
National Network of Libraries of Medicine. Library computer center
locations will serve as the delivery platform for these programs, providing
Nebraskans with access to audio and video webinar content and interactive
computer-based training.
The 140 participating libraries (147 library buildings) demonstrated
eligibility
based on local median income, ethnic population, and local broadband
penetration. These 140 libraries completed the required surveys to indicate
their commitment to participate, reported their specific situations regarding
current and future needs/plans for broadband, equipment, access and training,
and provided letters of support.
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