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A Publication Featuring The Information Services Technology of Maine State Government
| Volume IV, Issue 11 | November 2001 |
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By Linda Lord
In early October, the Maine State Library and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation announced a partnership to bring computers, software and training to approximately 100 public libraries statewide. Project implementation started in August and will continue into November. In all, the foundation will provide grants, technical assistance, software and training worth more than $1 million to public libraries around the state.
Although Maine libraries have been connected to the Internet since 1996 through the Maine School and Library Network, it has been difficult for some libraries to purchase an adequate number of computers to take advantage of this connectivity. Money for software, training, and technical support has been scarce for many libraries – especially those which serve low-income communities. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation helps address these issues as part of its nationwide program to support public access to online information.
Gary Nichols, Maine State Librarian, said, "The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation grants will build upon the progress the Maine School and Library Network has been making to provide public access to online materials including the World Wide Web, magazines and reference materials. It will contribute significantly to the ability of Maine libraries to meet the information needs of their patrons. We are delighted to be working with the foundation."
The core of the foundation’s gifts will be direct grants to approximately 100 libraries ranging from $4,000 to $18,358 to be used for public access to computers. Each library will receive technical assistance and training. In addition to cash awards for eligible libraries, Microsoft Corporation has donated valuable software to each grant recipient.
The foundation is also funding a computer-training center at the Maine State Library that will be used for Continuing Education opportunities for the state’s libraries.
Training may include, but not be limited to, technical network administration, basic Internet searching techniques, computer applications, and troubleshooting.
As a state agency, one of the Maine State Library’s goals is to improve library services throughout the state to ensure that all citizens have access to quality library and information services. The work of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation will help us meet this goal.
Please contact: Linda Lord, at the Maine State Library by calling 207-287-5620 or e-mailing linda.lord@state.me.us if you have questions or comments.
