State Librarian's Update on the Broadband Technology Opportunity Program Grant
Yesterday the State Library learned that it received a Broadband Technology Opportunity Program (BTOP) grant for $1.4M from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). I wanted to give you more detail on how this grant will affect NM public and tribal libraries.
The purpose of the grant:
The grant is awarded under a BTOP category called Sustainable Broadband Adoption whose purpose is to address two issues: consumer demand for broadband and affordability of broadband. To increase demand for broadband, grant projects may involve broadband education, awareness, training, access and equipment, particularly among vulnerable populations where broadband technology has traditionally been underutilized. With increased demand for broadband, it is likely that availability of broadband will be expanded and costs for consumers will go down.
The work of the grant:
We have three partners in the grant - University of New Mexico – Los Alamos, Global Center for Cultural Entrepreneurship (GCCE) and 1st Mile Initiative. Together we will do three things:
· Offer a series of training courses in public and tribal libraries across the state. These courses will target inexperienced users through training in the following areas: 1. Computer Literacy, 2. Intro to the Internet, 3. How to be a Successful On-line Learner, 4. Tech Support for Small Organizations, 5. E-commerce Essentials, 6. Entrepreneurial Online Marketing and 7. Internet-based Small Business Management Tools.
· Organize a NM Broadband Conference to build upon the Governor’s Broadband Initiative created in 2009. The conference will bring NM decision makers together to shape state and local agendas and phased implementation of “broadband for all.”
· Create a Broadband Awareness Campaign to provide experiential opportunities to engage people in the on-line world. The campaigns will be custom designed for each community and data will be collected to show how training creates users who are more broadband fluent and have increased their use of technology.
The role of libraries:
We anticipate that there will be 15 public library training sites over the three-year grant period. The libraries must meet certain criteria for size, connectivity, and contribute a cash match for the grant. We have reached out to some libraries in advance of receiving the grant, but have not selected all 15 sites at this time. In addition, the grant includes a Train the Trainer component that will allow all public libraries to participate in the activities at the 15 training sites. This will allow more libraries to attend trainings and then return to their libraries and offer the courses. The project will also develop a centralized website and catalog of courses and training resources that will be accessible to all public libraries as they hold trainings in their communities.
As this project develops, more information will be available. Please direct your questions to me at (505) 476-9762, or
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. Information regarding the Recovery Act is available on the web at these sites: http://www.usda.gov/recovery or www.commerce.gov/recovery or www.Recovery.gov or www.WhiteHouse.gov/Recovery.
Susan Oberlander, Ph.D.
N.M. State Librarian
1209 Camino Carlos Rey
Santa Fe, NM 87507
505 476 9762
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