01/19/10 Connect Ohio Library and Patron Surveys
Connect Ohio is a public-private, not-for-profit partnership that works with technology-minded businesses, government entities, universities and other organizations to accelerate the use of technology in the state to help close the digital divide.
For several months now, Connect Ohio has been working closely with the Ohio Library Council, the Ohio Public Library Information Network and the State Library of Ohio in the development of a statewide application for federal broadband stimulus funding from the Commerce Department's National Telecommunications and Information Administration. In preparation for NTIA's due diligence process for stimulus applications currently under consideration for funding or to prepare to apply for second round funds, Connect Ohio needs to gather some important supplemental data from Ohio's libraries and their patrons. Connect Ohio Executive Director Tom Fritz has recorded a 40-minute presentation that provides some background information and details the data gathering and grant process.
In addition to providing information for the Connect Ohio broadband stimulus package application, these surveys will also provide the Ohio Library Council and OPLIN with important data on technology usage in public libraries that can be used effectively in the Ohio General Assembly. These surveys will be conducted online and should not take much time.
One survey is directed to library directors or Information Technology staff and will gather supplemental data on public computers and programs not collected by other recent technology surveys recently completed.
Library Survey
The other online survey will target patrons who use computers at Ohio's public libraries. Participants will have the opportunity to win one of 12 netbook computers, provided by Connect Ohio.
Cover letter to library directors
Patron survey flyer
Patron survey cards (for Avery 5371)
The Ohio Library Council encourages participation from public libraries and appreciates this help to develop a comprehensive, competitive broadband stimulus funding application that, if funded, could positively impact Ohio's libraries and their patrons for years to come.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Lynda Murray, OLC Director of Government and Legal Services, or Stephen Hedges, OPLIN Director.
