State Librarian’s Quarterly Webcast Susan Hildreth August 3, 2005 Noon – 1pm

To Ask Questions, Use “Chat” Select “All” for recipient Type question in the box Press Enter

Gates Foundation 2005 Survey 98.9% of public libraries offer free Internet access Public libraries provide the only Internet access for the nation’s poorest areas Nine out of 10 public libraries do not have enough terminals to meet demand No more capacity due to funding or physical or network limitations

“Staying Connected” Grant Funds To Include Training Infopeople will provide training to help libraries with selection, procurement and long-term support for replacement public access computers Training will include webcasts and workshops

Connectivity - Key to Convenient and Effective Access to the Internet 72 % of urban libraries have high-speed connections 20% of them offer wireless connections Only 34% of rural libraries have high-speed connections - challenge for states with extensive rural areas 66% of California public libraries have high speed connections as defined by the Gates Survey (769 kbps)

Maintaining Quality Technology Services is a Challenge for Libraries 70% of public libraries do not have a plan to upgrade hardware 77% do not have a plan to upgrade software 96% do not have a plan to upgrade their connection speed

Gates Foundation Public Access Computer Hardware Upgrade Grant Program 1st priority - Replacement of any remaining original computers 2 nd priority - Replacement of computers that are newer than the original computers, but still need replacement 3 rd priority - Libraries eligible for the original grant that did not to participate will be able to do so 4 th priority - Equipment used for training labs eligible for replacement.

Funds Can Be Used For: Software for the public access computers Support services such as extended warranties and technical support services Installation and configuration to help ensure long term sustainability

Funds Cannot Be Used For: Staff computers Peripherals such as switches, firewalls, or printers

Application Information Will Be Forthcoming Libraries serving over 300,000 apply directly to Gates Foundation Other libraries use online form developed by Gates Foundation to report status of public access computer. California State Library will use reports to determine state project plan to submit to Gates Foundation

Everyone is on the Internet! 84% of those % of those % of those % of adults use the Internet

What Are They Doing? 91% send 84% use search engines to find information 80% search the Internet to answer a specific question People get their information from the Internet. Libraries need to be there!

Future of Resource-Sharing and Cooperative Services in California Reference service focus groups held in July Visioning of cooperative services – To be held in late November/early December Statewide convocation on 21 st century library services – 2006

Wrap-Up and Q&A Susan will now respond to questions you’ve submitted via Chat. Please fill out the survey that is displayed during the Q&A.