Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Announces Pilot Grant Program to Improve Internet Connections in Public Libraries.
Foundation awards $6.9 million in grants to Connected Nation and the American Library Association to help launch pilot broadband initiative in seven states
SEATTLE -- A pilot initiative announced today by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation will help public libraries in seven states secure faster Internet connections so more people can access a full range of online applications and opportunities.
The foundation has awarded $6,959,771 in combined grant funding to Connected Nation, a nonprofit broadband Internet advocacy group, and the American Library Association's Office for Information Technology Policy (OITP) to support improved Internet connections for public libraries in Arkansas, California, Kansas, Massachusetts, New York, Texas, and Virginia.
"Through this pilot program, we will help to ensure that public libraries in seven states have support to improve their Internet speeds, ensuring that all people have the chance to connect to information, education, and economic opportunity," said Jill Nishi, deputy director of U.S. Libraries at the Gates Foundation. "Public libraries across the country have played an integral role in closing the digital divide for millions of Americans, but local governments, communities, and library supporters must do more to ensure libraries can continue to provide fast, reliable Internet service for communities."
Connected Nation will receive $6,107,882 to help each pilot state organize and host a broadband summit to gather and activate public library leaders, state and local officials, and other influencers who can support broadband Internet in libraries throughout each state.
OITP will receive $851,889 to provide research and expertise that will help state library agencies develop and begin to implement strategies to ensure library broadband connections are sustainable. OITP also will develop and disseminate case studies demonstrating how public libraries can successfully sustain broadband for patrons.
As the economic crisis in the U.S. deepens, visits to public libraries are up across the country. Many libraries in states across the country are reporting that online services are in high demand, especially for job seekers, students, and people who do not have Internet access elsewhere.
A recent report compiled by the American Library Association (ALA) titled Libraries Connect Communities found that 73 percent of public libraries are the only source of free, public Internet access in their communities. Despite overwhelming demand for technology services, up to a third of all public libraries have Internet connections that are too slow to meet the everyday needs of their patrons.
