Posts Tagged ‘Libraries’

Gates Foundation Grants Internet Access Assistance to Us Public Libraries

Wednesday, January 13th, 2010

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is continuously providing assistance to public libraries across the United States through Opportunity Online program. The philanthropic organization’s grants cover installation and improvement of Internet access to help provide high-quality, fast, and free online connection to specific computer workstations and centers in public libraries, which in turn are used by many people.

Opportunity Online is granting assistance in the form of funding, technical support, and associated training for at least two years per public library. This program is primarily focused on assisting public libraries that are in turn serving bigger populations. Public libraries that are almost vulnerable to having obsolete technology are prioritized. Eligible libraries should at the same time be able to secure funding commitments before receiving any grant from the program. This is to make sure there is appropriate community support for maintenance of computer upgrades.

It is estimated that about 40% of the US population are still not enjoying Internet access at their homes. Thus, public libraries are serving and facilitating critical link between users and technology, especially to many who are not able to afford getting Internet access services on their own. It is not surprising that currently, millions of Americans are using Internet through public libraries in different purposes like earning long-distance education degrees, starting and advancing small businesses, finding critical information on jobs, learning better English, getting e-government services and information, and many more.

Most public libraries are applying for potential grants from Opportunity Online because Internet access has really become among the most essential services that are required by people. Library administrators assert that their facilities must be able to maintain technology tools to help more people access and use information and services offered online.

However, there are still many concerns and requirements that many public libraries should address as they start and keep facilitating Internet access to numerous users. First, the average 256 KBPS connection to Internet network has to be ramped up. At present, most libraries that are capable to connect online are not able to support bandwidth traffic activities like MP3 downloading (for sound and video files), video-streaming, and other forms of interactive communication.

Opportunity Online could commit to investing in public libraries’ connectivity, training, research, and even advocacy. The program could not in any way fully takeover or fund what public libraries need. That is why aside from Opportunity Online grants, libraries should also secure other support from local governments and non-government organizations in their communities. The program is set to only jumpstart the initiative. In the long run, public libraries are expected to be able to support their online services on their own.

Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, based in Seattle, is working to help many people lead productive, comfortable, and healthy lives. The organization is guided accordingly by the belief that every single life has real and equal value. Within developing countries, the foundation is focused on helping people improve their health and providing opportunities for them to stay out of hunger and burden from possible extreme poverty. In the US, the foundation seeks to make sure all people get the ability to seize opportunities to succeed. That is why providing Internet access is one of the priority projects of the organization.

High-Tech Public Libraries

Friday, December 18th, 2009

The best place to get the information you need is always in a library. Public Libraries are provided by the government in order to provide access for all its constituents. Books can be read and borrowed in Public Libraries without any fees, only incurred penalties for late returns. In addition, with modern technology, most of the information you need can be obtained via a simple click.
Going to libraries are usually for nerds but at this day and age, you would not be caught dead without the right information in your head, no matter if you they would still call you a nerd. Better a nerd than with someone without a brain don’t you think? Some people though find it lazy to go to the library and go over all the dust covered and delicate books. They opt to search for the information they need over the Internet. Not to mention the time they will be consuming and the effort of going through shelves and shelves of books. However, not all the information you need is in the Internet and it is not as reliable as compared to doing your research in a library. Don’t you think they would eventually fade out if all the information can be taken out from the Internet already?
With the advancement in technology, libraries have become more important and the secrets inside it are due to the easy accessibility it can provide to the people. Computers in libraries have made it easier for people to look for the information they need faster. With programs designed specifically for usage inside libraries, people are more encouraged to learn and study, especially those who are not fortunate enough to have a personal PC or an Internet connection at home. Of course, their only place to seek for knowledge is the library.
Another thing that a library has aside from the information you seek is the atmosphere it emits to its visitor. Its quiet ambiance can really provide an atmosphere of learning for the people who go there. Feeling the knowledge of the rich history of the place itself will be enough to encourage you to go through the halls and search what interests you. Moreover, the knowledge of people who once walked through the halls and held those books were also able to make a difference in the world and will inspire you to do the same.
Here are several “upgraded” libraries.
The New York Public Library (NYPL)
This Public Library is considered as one of the leading public libraries in the world. It is also the largest in America and the largest research library systems in the world. It is also one of the five most important libraries in the United States. It is equipped with up to date electronic resources that make the information available for the public.
The Boston Public Library
This is the first library to allow people to borrow books and take them home so as to read it. Aside from this, the Boston Public Library is known as the largest municipal library and first large public library in America. It features free Wi-Fi internet access to the public throughout this library, along with its 27 branches. It maintains internet databases for catalogues and full text access.
The Library of Congress
Considered as the national library of the United States by default, it has the largest shelf space and is the most important library in the world. With millions of catalogued books and print materials that are set up in 470 languages, it also has the largest collection of manuscripts and rare books, newspapers and many more! You name it and the library of Congress may have a 99% chance that it is there.
With millions of digital objects available at its American Memory, nearly all the catalogs of this library can be checked on its website. On-line archives are also provided by the Library of Congress.
So far, these are the world-renowned libraries in the US. As An additional fact, in other parts of the globe, other world-renowned public library would include the:
British Library (BL)
The British national library is located in London and is one of the significant research libraries in the world. It holds millions of items of books, journals, magazines, music recordings, patents, and so much more, which can be accessed through the library’s web site.
The National Library of New Zealand
New Zealand’s public service department and legal deposit has the responsibility to enrich the cultural and economic existence of the country. In July 2004, the NDHS program was established along with the goal to improve the infrastructure and technological settings so that it can be preserved. A hardware and software system will be specially designed for the library in order to have the ability to maintain the conditions of its items throughout the years, making it still available for the people.
Thus, Public Libraries, not only hold books, but there are also those who showcase paintings, artifacts and other valuable memorabilia of the past.
These libraries are no longer mere pillars of books; they have become institutionalized in order to cater more learning and understanding to those who seek knowledge of the things around them and even beyond. There are so many things one can learn from reading the books itself, which no amount of media can withhold.