US/ND-2: Re: Public Libraries, Internet and ISPs
Re: Public Libraries, Internet and ISPs
Sally Hawkes (shawkes@comp.uark.edu)
Fri, 6 Sep 1996 09:56:45 -0500 (CDT)
I also administer the Internet grants for access to small, rural public
libraries.
With Federal LSCA Grants the first priority is dedicated access (router,
DSU and Frame relay circuit) because so much can be done with this
connection, use of OCLC (Interlibrary Loan at $3.96/hour) for Selective
Users, contact to OCLC FirstSearch (58 research database at no added
telco), and Internet. This technology will be compatible with the next
technology.
So, we've given $6,000 start up grants for Internet connections over
providing funds for dial up to ISPs, but at a low priority. We also have
a dial up program in cooperation with our Dept of Computer Services at
$5.70/hour through a 700 number (800 number would cost $8.22/hour.) We
will, however, get them into dedicated access as soon as funds are
available.
Why give the details? So many people are discussing dial access for
public library access or large user programs. After the initial hook-up
to dedicated access at library here pays between $2,500 to $3,500 annually
for membership, services and telco costs. Several public libraries paid
$1,800 just in telco costs last year for dial in services without
Internet.
Yes, you need a group or consortium to help defray T1 or T3 costs (it's
split in Arkansas between three networks), but this is building the
infrastructure as well as increasing access. With dial access through an
ISP, users are simply added to existing lines and clogging those lines,
because the ISP have to get line access through the telcos. This is where
all those highway comparison come in.
It also makes sense to have a community or regional or the state involved
to help pay costs. Schools close at 3:00 or 3:30 in the afternoon. Where
are students without access at home going to get Internet connections?
The public library. Home access is an individual choice like microwave
oven, color TVs, or yes, owning a computer at all--unless you can't afford
the access. Public libraries are suppose to provide some basic access to
all as well -- low income, ADA regulations provide instructions for
diabled access, etc.
So what happens if separate tariff discounts are listed for state govt.,
local govts., public schools and public libraries? There goes cooperative
networks that help foot the bill and build the infrastructure. Public
libraries don't have an administrative unit to pay the connection cost
academic libraries and school libraries do; public libraries are their own
administrative unit.
Sally Hawkes shawkes@comp.uark.edu
Coordinator of Library Network Services 501-682-6052
Arkansas State Library 501-682-1531 fax
On 29 Aug 1996, BRANDIS Rushton G wrote:
>
> Summary: We have to be careful to include various existing Internet
> public library efforts with consideration of discounted library
> service.
> In my experience, cooperation already exists. Libraries can contribute
> to local economic development as well as provide public access to
> members of their community.
>
> Rushton Brandis, Network Development Consultant
> Library Development Services, Oregon State Library
> State Library Bldg, Salem, OR 97310-0640
> 503 378 2112 x 224 voice; 503 588 7119 fax
> rushton.g.brandis@state.or.us
> <http://www.osl.state.or.us/oslhome.html>
>