Program
ALA Unit/Subunit: ASCLA
Meeting Type: Program
Cost: Included with full conference registration.
Open/Closed: Open
While much worthy attention has been paid to improving "last mile" connectivity for rural and tribal libraries, it's the last 100 meters (the network inside the building) that is often overlooked and in need of improvement. The IMLS-funded Toward Gigabit Libraries project aims to address that problem through a self-service toolkit suitable for even the most novice of library workers. In straightforward, easy-to-understand language, the toolkit is designed to take lay people through technical concepts and tasks to create a Broadband Improvement Plan for each library. The plan is designed to help the library where it's needed most - including improvements to hardware, software and configuration, suggestions for training and education, resources to advocate for better connectivity, and more. Fresh from the overwhelmingly successful pilot implementation of the toolkit in Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas, Washington, Alaska, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut, Susannah Spellman and James Werle of Internet 2 and Library Technology Consultant Carson Block will share the results of the pilot, lessons learned, and how this free toolkit applies to libraries of all types and sizes.
Carson Block
Library Technology Consultant
Library Land Tech
James Werle
Executive Director
Internet2 Community Anchor Program