Grant supports public libraries' efforts to offer public access to computers

HELENA, Mont. -- The Montana State Library has received $53,700 to provide technology training for library staff members across the state. This training program grant, awarded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, will help library staff members sustain and expand public access to computers.

 

 "We will use this grant money to provide software training to 150 library staff members," said Karen Strege, state librarian. "This will help public libraries extend access to computers and the Internet for people in need throughout Montana." 

 

Montana State Library will make the specialized training available at three Gates Summer Institutes scheduled in 2002 on university campuses in Billings, Bozeman and Missoula.  Each Institute will offer 3 days of intense training in Internet use, web page design, network management, and methods for teaching patrons to utilize the Internet.  The Gates grant will be used to pay mileage, dormitory accommodations and meals for all librarians attending the Institutes.

 

Libraries in Montana received computers and an initial round of training as a result of a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in 2000. The libraries have received technical support from the foundation since that time.  This new training grant is the final component of the foundation's library program and will build on the training already received by the library staff.  Montana State Library takes the leadership role in developing, implementing and evaluating this training program.

 

"Library staff are vital in helping library patrons navigate the new world of digital information.  It's critical to give these staff the training they need to continue, and even enhance, their library's public access computing program," said Richard Akeroyd, executive director of the foundation's library program. 

 

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is dedicated to improving access to digital information for everyone regardless of age, race, gender or geographic location. Its U.S. Library Program provides grants to public libraries to improve access to computers, the Internet and digital information for patrons in low-income communities.
 
Montana State Library is dedicated to giving librarians the training and skills needed to ensure digital information is available to all Montanans.

 

On the Internet:
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, www.gatesfoundation.org
Montana State Library, http://msl.state.mt.us/