Gates Foundation Funds Computer Hardware Grants in Iowa

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has developed a new hardware grant program for public libraries called the Opportunity Online Hardware Grant.  Gates has chosen the State Library to administer the grants which require a 25% match the first year and a 50% match the second year.  The grants are designed to:

• Improve public access to computers and the Internet by providing hardware upgrades to libraries

•  Increase the percentage of libraries regularly upgrading their computers

•  Motivate local governments to commit local funding to library computer services

According to the Gates Foundation, over the last decade, public libraries have provided communities with access to information through computers and the Internet.  However, many libraries struggle to keep pace with technology and rapidly increasing community demand for these services.  A recent national survey revealed that four out of five public libraries say they don't have enough computers to meet their community's needs.

One Iowa librarian told a story about how computers impact her community.  "A Hispanic woman was unable to understand her child's homework. However, using a computer, we were able to not only translate the homework into Spanish, but were able to find a Web site which was able teach and explain the concepts to the mother in Spanish.  The mother was very grateful."

There will be an information session about the grant for eligible libraries on Friday, November 16, 2007, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.  Registration is available in the CE catalog.  Search under "hardware."

Click here for a list of eligible libraries participating in the grant.