Broadband Assessment Project - North Carolina

November-December 2008

Project Notification Letter (doc)

Excel Questionnaire for libraries with multiple outlets (xls)

Excel Questionnaire for libraries with a single outlet (xls)

Word Questionnaire - for data gathering only (doc)

Opportunity Online Grant Program - North Carolina

2008-2010

OPPORTUNITY ONLINE ELIGIBILITY LIST - modified January 17, 2008 (xls)

Overview

Public libraries in North Carolina are eligible for a new Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation program to support replacement or addition of public access PCs.

The goals of the Opportunity Online program are to help libraries build and practice the skills needed to sustain local funding for technology services and to motivate local governments to commit local funding to computer services. The Foundation hopes to increase the percentage of U.S. public libraries regularly upgrading their public access computers from 60% to 90% through the Opportunity Online program.

This program differs from previous Gates Foundation programs in that it includes a local funding match requirement and provides funds for public library computing access support services as well as for equipment.

The amount of each grant will be based on the number of PCs needed in each library building to achieve the Foundation’s pre-established “level of service” (a ratio of public access computers to population living in poverty). Once the library has purchased the specified number of PCs, any remaining funds may be used to purchase printers, peripherals, tech support and training.

Initial Eligibility

The Gates Foundation has established initial eligibility for 297 public library buildings in North Carolina. Eligible libraries have either:

• 10% or greater poverty level in the Foundation-defined service area (which differs in size for urban, suburban and rural locations),
• OR more than 3,000 persons living in poverty.

The official list of eligible libraries may be found here:

http://webjunction.techatlas.org/tools/

A condensed and slightly modified version of this spreadsheet showing only eligible buildings may be found here:

http://statelibrary.ncdcr.gov/gates/OppOnlineNC.010408.xls

Note that these are Excel spreadsheets and will automatically download.

These eligibility determinations are final and cannot be appealed.

"Level of Service" Eligibility

Early in 2008, eligible libraries will complete the TechAtlas inventory to determine each library’s “level of service.” Libraries with a “level of service” that does not meet the Foundation’s pre-established target will become eligible for grant funds.

Participating in the Program

In order to receive these grant funds, eligible libraries must then:

1. Participate in TechAtlas inventories and the ALA-FSU Internet and Public Funding Survey;
2. Participate in a Foundation-sponsored PLA advocacy symposium (planned for Fall 2008); and
3. Demonstrate a commitment to provide an escalating dollar match over the two-year grant period (25% in year one, 50% in year two).

Matching funds may be from local government or private sources, but state and federal funds may not be used. The provision of matching funds will be monitored and enforced through written documentation and verification.

Additional Information

The State Library will contract with SOLINET to manage the Opportunity Online grant program in North Carolina. SOLINET will assist libraries in using TechAtlas, in complying with all reporting requirements, and in disbursing and tracking funds.

Eligible libraries will be contacted by SOLINET in mid-January 2008 to determine their interest in taking part in this program. Your grant program contact at SOLINET is Sandra Phoenix (sphoenix@solinet.net).

Tentative Timeline

Mid-January 2008	SOLINET contacts eligible libraries to verify their interest in participating
By February 22, 2008	Libraries run TechAtlas inventory for initial assessment of level of service
May 2008	SOLINET prepares North Carolina proposal for Gates Foundation
Fall 2008	Libraries complete ALA/FSU Internet and Public Funding Survey
Fall 2008	Libraries participate in Foundation-sponsored advocacy symposium (may also be offered online)
By March 2009	Libraries document provision of first-round matching funds
By April 2009	SOLINET disburses first-round grants to libraries
By September 2009	Libraries run TechAtlas following first-round hardware replacement/upgrade
By March 2010	Libraries document provision of second-round matching funds
By April 2010	SOLINET disburses second-round funds to libraries
By September 2010	Libraries run TechAtlas following hardware replacement/upgrade
November 2010	SOLINET makes final report to Gates Foundation