In small measure the philanthropy of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is helping rural public libraries bridge the gap. The formulas that are used in their making of awards is complex, but at least for the Mohawk Valley Library Association, appeared to lean toward increased access at rural sites. Soon we will have more machinery, and E-rate will help pay the telecommunication costs, but from where do we get the money to fund the (possibly needed) extra staff? Again, Gates hopes their gifts will serve to leverage the enhancement of local funding sources, but even making that happen takes time! For our rural sites, time is the most valuable commodity.
Rebekah Tanner
Adult & Electronic Services Specialist
Mohawk valley Library Association
Schenectady, NY
Date
|