Gates "Staying Connected" Program Grant Guidelines

What you will receive from the grant

  • $137,440 will enable the 23 public library systems to enhance and expand technology training for public library staff members who assist with public-access computing.
  • $85,200 will fund replacement or upgrading of public-access computers in the Brooklyn Public Library, Buffalo & Erie County Public Library, and The New York Public Library as identified by the Gates Foundation. (Guidelines for this funding are included in a separate document)

In the training component of this grant each library system will receive a base grant of $1000 plus $89 per building. (see Staying Connected Allocation chart). The grant period is from 1/15/2004 - 12/31/2005.

To afford maximum flexibility to the library systems in tailoring training to varying system needs, the systems may choose from three options in planning their training:

  • Continue the two-phase Train the Trainer/Train the Library Staff curriculum used during the Gates U.S. Library Training Program Grant
  • Extend the Train the Library Staff phase to reach those who did not receive training under the earlier grant.
  • Provide intensive workshop(s) in outcome-based evaluation tools and techniques for delivering effective technology training programs
  • All system staff will have the opportunity to participate in outcomes based evaluation workshops beginning in Autumn 2004.

The library systems receiving Staying Connected training grant funds must match 25 percent of the amount received. (see Staying Connected Allocation chart) This match may be met through the allocation of staff time to coordinate training activities, supplies and materials for participants, and other system-related training resources provided to participants.

Systems may use their grant money to provide library building staff with a variety of skills programs to meet member training needs. This grant and matching funds may be used to

· provide intensive workshops in outcome-based evaluation tools and techniques for delivering effective technology training programs
· provide the trainer/mentors with additional training so that they may assist the library system staff in meeting the ongoing training needs of member library staff.
· purchase of training aids, such as tools needed for training presentations
· compensate trainer/mentors
· provide incentives to reduce hardships for trainer/mentors, such as mileage reimbursement and an hourly rate or per diem for a substitute staff member during absences for training as trainer/mentors.
· pay for outside training expertise, miscellaneous expenses, such as supplies, training-related equipment, facility rental fees, etc.
· develop online training modules
· provide incentives to reduce hardships in understaffed libraries, such as mileage reimbursement, and/or an hourly rate or per diem for a substitute staff member during absences for training.

What we need you to do

  • Sign and return a commitment form to demonstrate your willingness to meet the requirements of the Gates Staying Connected Program Grant Guidelines.
  • Requirements include:
    1. Select one or more options from the three options provided.
    2. Continue to focus on technology training on sustaining public access computing in public libraries.
    3. Train at least one person from every main building in the system's service area in public access computing skills who has not been trained under the earlier grant . (See Staying Connected Allocation chart for the number of eligible buildings in your system.)
      • organize skills session(s) for your members
      • use your system's training needs assessment to determine the training needs of your members. Systems may pool grant funds to offer different skill level training sessions.
      • arrange for trainer (s) to deliver training to your members
      • use Gates Core Curriculum as a guide, if appropriate
    4. Provide a final report to the New York State Library by December 31, 2004. If the grant funds have not been spent by the end of 2004, then you must submit an interim report and a final report will be due, December 31, 2005. NYSL will provide you with the necessary report forms. Your report should include
      • how the training you provided to member library staff addressed the training needs you identified in your plans of service and technology plans;
      • libraries and library staff members that participated;
      • amount of grant funds allocated as of December 31, 2004
      • match amount spent as of December 31, 2004
      • summary of the quantitative and qualitative responses from training evaluations and a description of the training outcomes;
      • your needs for ongoing training identified
      • a description of your plans for ongoing training.

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Last Updated: June 11, 2009