Continuing the work of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Presented by: Jeff Stauffer WebJunction Service Manager Date: 3 February 2005

Agenda Background Site Overview Status Collaboration Opportunities How to Get Involved

Background The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s U.S. Library Program –46,000 computers –11,000 libraries in the United States and Canada –Five-year initiative –Targeting public libraries serving less-affluent communities May 2002: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation awarded OCLC a three-year grant Purpose: –Carry forward the Foundation’s work –Build a Web-based, public access computing community

The Mission Build an online community for public access computing Support front-line staff at libraries, CTCs, and other organizations Create a forum for collaborative knowledge and experience sharing Focus on information technology policy and practice

The Partners

The First Step: Research Conducted Needs Assessment in US and Canada Focus groups Electronic surveys –2,200 respondents in 43 States, all Canadian Provinces, and Various tribal communities Extensive Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation input (via training and support staff) Library site visits Literature review

A Cry for Help “…we don’t have the funding to attract, compensate or retain staff who are experts in computing and training issues…” “…our biggest problem is keeping the computers running” “…we cannot keep up with technology, it’s moving too fast!!!”

Research Conclusions The public access community needs help with: –Staff training !!! –Technical education and support (software, hardware, internet, networking, etc., etc.) –Building public access capacity –Management and planning –Funding and sustainability

Toward Equality of Access Report Toward Equality of Access The Role of Public Libraries in Addressing the Digital Divide

Toward Equality of Access Report Toward Equality of Access The Role of Public Libraries in Addressing the Digital Divide

Toward Equality of Access Report “The current challenge for libraries is to sustain their ability to provide public access. This requires ongoing investment and support in five key areas: –Hardware and software upgrades –Internet connectivity –Keeping systems running –Staff training –Keeping libraries open” Toward Equality of Access The Role of Public Libraries in Addressing the Digital Divide

The Result: WebJunction

Philosophy READ LEARN SHARE

Community Focus Community Contributed Content & Ideas Community Editors & Moderators Recent Community Focuses: –Systems Librarianship –Computing Security –Rural Libraries –Open Source –CIPA and Filtering –Demonstrating Impact

Site Overview Policies and Practices: Guidance on technology planning, acceptable use policies, accessibility issues, marketing strategies, and research and statistics on technology in libraries Technology Resources: Practical tips, tools and information to help with computer and Internet issues in your public access computing program Buying and Funding: Information about buying discounted hardware and software for your library, as well as ideas and practices focused on funding of programs for libraries Services to Libraries: Content organized by target audience rather than subject, including small communities, children's resources, and Web resources for patrons Learning Center: online courses, downloadable lessons, training tips and other tools Community Center: message boards, best practices, awards program, community networking, peer advice

Learning Center Delivering online learning Fee vs. Free Migrating OCLC Institute course offerings over to WebJunction Expansion Plans

Members by Library Size

What does it mean for individual library staff? Participate in continuing education courses Participate in the forums Shape the future content and functionality Connect with members via Member Directory Receive Crossroads monthly eNewsletter Receive Member-Only communications Individuals will not be charged for access to the site, organizations will provide access

Collaboration Opportunities

PAComputing.org Support Site Transition

Stats 11,000+ members since launch 150,000+ unique visitors Course catalog: 40+ online courses Course enrollment: 10,000+ Highly active message board community: 4,500+ posts Monthly eNewsletter, Crossroads 10,000+ subscribers

The Future of WebJunction

Community Partner Program Cooperative model Current Subscribing State Library Agencies: CT, CO, IA, NM, WA Tools to customize WebJunction (Content, Community, Learning Center) to make content more localized Pilot Timeline: July 2004 – June 2005 Expansion of Program: 2005

Future Projects Projects Underway: IMLS Training Clearinghouse Spanish Language Outreach New Projects: Managing Public Access Computing Technology Planning & Assessment

How to get involved… Register today Take advantage of the eLearning opportunities Become part of our evaluation team Join in the forum discussions on All Aboard Apply for a WebJunction Award (or nominate someone else!) Receive our monthly newsletter, Crossroads Network with other community members Submit articles, newsletter, or content suggestions Volunteer to be a WebJunction editor or moderator Help us get the word out !!!

For more information… Jeff Stauffer OCLC Service Manager - WebJunction Phone: WebJunction’s Contact Us page - Canadian Needs Assessments - Presentation Videos - Press Releases - Marketing Materials

Questions & (hopefully) Answers