CONNECTIVITY FUND

1
CONNECTIVITY FUND

• Presented Fall 2003

2
Goal of Connectivity Fund

• Original Priorities
• All libraries to acquire a minimum of 56k
  dedicated Internet access.
• All Network 2000 Points of Presence to acquire a
  minimum of 256k access.
• Other enhancements to bandwidth.

• 2003 Priorities
• upgrading access to 128k, at least at main
  location for current participants.
• Upgrading to 256k for Connect Ontario libraries
  providing they serve as a PoP.
• 56k access at some branches in multi-branch
  systems.

3
Ministry Multi-Year Commitment

• 1Million for one year initially (1999)
• Extended for 2 years
• Recently Announced!Latest commitment date is
  March 31, 2005

4
Project Results

• Year 1 133 locations received dedicated
  Internet access
• Year 2 2 northern networks funded (ADnet and
  NEOnet)
• Year 3 Selected libraries upgraded to ADSL or
  128K

5
Surveys

• The purpose to gather information around the
  impact of dedicated Internet access on
  participating libraries and their users.
• This project information is to be reported to the
  Ministry and it is information you need to report
  to your own community
• Connectivity libraries that participated in the
  surveys may request their own data from SOLS
  Contact Peter Abbott at
  pabbott_at_sols.org or 1.800.387.5765
  ext. 5101

6
Need for ongoing Survey

• Important to gather data and information on an
  ongoing basis to highlight the importance of your
  services to your community
• Noteworthy information
• Number of individuals using your computers
• Profiles of these users (demographic data)
• Reason for using computers

7
Connectivity Issues

• Sustainability
• Connectivity just one part of the picture
• Computers and Internet access leads to increased
  demands on public libraries
• Rapid advancements in technology
• Public expectations
• More equipment, more hours
• Helpful staff
• Training opportunities

8
Sustainability No magic recipe!

• Need creative solutions
• Increase in municipal funding
• Develop community partnerships
• Increase public awareness
• Turn patrons into advocates
• Involve local officials in library events

9
Valuable Resources

• Staying Connected a Toolkit to Build Support in
  the Community for Your Technology Programs
• Prepared by the Bill Melinda Gates Foundation
• www.gatesfoundation.org/libraries(Select
  Staying Connected Toolkit)
• A list of websites focusing on technology
  fundraising strategies is also in your handout