Gates Offers New Grant Program for Hardware, Bandwith, Training

-- Library Journal, 1/19/2007

In June 2005, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which had previously not planned to offer additional direct aid to libraries in the U.S. Libraries Initiative, said it would spend up to $30 million to replace aging computer hardware at some 2000 library systems in the first 18 states to get grants. Still, that left another 32 states and the District of Columbia with obsolete computers. Yesterday, the foundation announced a new five-year commitment to enhance computer and Internet services and training for U.S. public libraries serving low-income communities.

Some 40 percent of Americans still lack home Internet access, and while nearly all public libraries in the country are wired, many have aging equipment, offer too little bandwidth, and lag in training. ""It is virtually impossible to succeed today without access to computers and the Internet. For the millions of people who don't have those tools at home, the public library helps level the playing field," said Allan Golston, president of the foundation's United States Program. "Unfortunately, some libraries are struggling to keep up with innovations in technology. We want to make sure every library can remain a viable choice for high-quality computer and Internet services for its community."

While the investment will undoubtedly be significant, foundation officials were unwilling to attach a price tag or even estimate a floor at this time. Aiming to increase the percentage of libraries that regularly upgrade their computers—some half of all public libraries are struggling—the foundation will provide matching grants for upgrades when libraries get dedicated local funding. The focus will be on 30 percent of all libraries—those that serve communities where ten percent or more of the population live in poverty and which may see their computer and Internet services become obsolete.

Given that 45 percent of public libraries need increased bandwidth, according to the foundation, grants will help libraries plan for connectivity upgrades. Also, the foundation will "invest in efforts to provide nationwide training resources and technical support." Further, the foundation will offer grants for advocacy preparation for library staff and research demonstrating the positive benefits of technology to library users. The foundation already has invested some $325 million to support access to computers and the Internet in public libraries.