OPPORTUNITY ONLINE – REQUIREMENTS:
TECH ATLAS * ADVOCACY SYMPOSIUM * SURVEY
TECH ATLAS
If libraries are eligible for funding, why do they have to run TechAtlas again? Do they have to reestablish their eligibility?
Another TechAtlas inventory does not affect a library’s eligibility. It is simply a way to verify that participating libraries have installed their computers. Libraries will run the Tech Atlas script after each hardware installation.
What’s the benefit of using TechAtlas for participating libraries beyond the inventory tool?
TechAtlas has many features that libraries find valuable. In addition to the inventory tool, TechAtlas offers the following resources to libraries at no charge:
Assessments and surveys that are written specifically for the public library audience to help evaluate current and future technology as well as professional development needs for staff members
A guide to setting technology goals and tools to track staff assignments, deadlines, and completion status to meet those goals
A budgeting worksheet to determine how the library will fund new and existing technologies
An evaluation tool that helps libraries use their technology plan as a living document that can be updated as technologies and patron service goals change
An online “help desk” tool called Event Tracker, which is used by TechAtlas staff members to report, record, and track technology problems and solutions
To learn more about these resources, please visit the WebJunction Web site: http://www.webjunction.org/techatlas
When should I run the Tech Atlas inventory?
Anticipate running the Tech Atlas inventory at least twice during the grant project. The inventory script should be run after the installation of the new computers. The deadlines are:
August 31, 2010 for phase 1
August 31, 2011 for phase 2
How do I log into Tech Atlas to do my inventory?
To login to TechAtlas, go to: http://webjunction.techatlas.org Be sure to have the email address registered for your library and the password. Please use the account originally established during the baseline inventory. Do NOT create a duplicate account for your library. If you have forgotten your login and password, contact the Illinois State Library or your regional library system for help.
ADVOCACY SYMPOSIUM
Why is a mandatory advocacy symposium a part of this grant program?
The Opportunity Online Hardware grant program is focused on helping libraries build capacity to sustain long-term support and funding for their library, specifically, their technology services. The advocacy symposium, provided for each participating state, will help libraries build their understanding of, and ability to conduct, ongoing local advocacy activities needed to sustain that funding.
Turning the Page: Building Your Library Community has been extremely successful, and its stellar trainers, curriculum, and content have already had an indelible impact on participants. Past attendees have voiced that due to this training, that they were more excited about doing advocacy in support of their library and were more confident in their own abilities to conduct advocacy activities.
What do you mean by advocacy?
We use the term advocacy to include the following activities, central to increasing support for public libraries:
Building strategic partnerships with local groups and leaders that can support the library
Developing effective approaches that demonstrate a library’s value to local decision makers and community members
Delivering those messages through a variety of tactics to effectively spur increased support of your library
How will the PLA advocacy symposium differ from other training?
This training will emphasize building community partnerships, raising matching dollars, media outreach, message development and delivery, and more. The symposium will also give libraries the chance to learn from inspirational speakers and case studies, and to network with library staff from throughout their state. To enhance the experience for participants, PLA is reviewing and building on existing training resources already in the field.
What are the details of the advocacy symposium?
The symposium will be held in two formats:
1. In-person training October 21 - 22, 2009 at the Decatur Convention Center & Hotel (4191 US 36 West, Decatur, Illinois 62522) Consider people who would be asking for the match/donations on behalf of the library as the most appropriate to attend such as the library director, trustees and library supporters including friends of the library.
2. Online training will be offered periodically throughout phase one of the grant
The in-person training is strongly recommended for all participating libraries, but those who are unable to attend in-person as well as all of the library’s trustees and staff may choose to participate in the online training.
All travel and lodging costs will be covered by PLA for grantees; each eligible public library agency can send up to three participants. For those public library agencies sending three people, at least one must be a community partner such as a member of the board of trustees or other influential community member who can speak on behalf of libraries.
ALA-UMCP INTERNET AND PUBLIC LIBRARIES FUNDING SURVEY
Will I get a paper copy of the survey mailed to me to fill out?
No, a paper copy of the survey will not be mailed to libraries. A postcard will be mailed to the library director with the URL and timeline for filling out the survey. There will be an option for libraries to download a PDF worksheet of the survey
What are the details of the Internet and Public Libraries Funding Survey?
The online survey must be completed September 8 through November 6.
Go to the website indicated on the postcard and follow the instructions for logging in. It is very important to use the library’s NCES code associated with the Opportunity Online grant program to get credit for fulfilling this grant requirement. If you have questions, contact the Illinois State Library.
Please remember that completing this survey is a requirement of the Opportunity Online grant.
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Illinois State Library * 300 S. 2nd Street * Springfield * Illinois * 62701