Proposed Roles and Responsibilities for Public Library Systems in New York State

Gates Library Grant Initiative: Opportunity Online Hardware Grant Program

Within the framework of the information provided to date by the Gates Foundation about this new statewide project, the State Library believes that New York State’s public library systems might be requested to undertake the roles and responsibilities listed below. This list is preliminary in nature, and may be subject to change as the project unfolds.  Each public library system will receive an administrative fee equal to 4% of the total amount of funding received for the library facilities in their system.

  • Assign a primary system contact person to work with the State Library on this statewide project.
  • Provide assistance, guidance, information and support to libraries/branches listed on the Gates-generated list of eligible facilities so they can successfully complete project requirements and receive Gates funding.
  • Encourage a system staff person to participate in a TechAtlas workshop, either a hands-on workshop sponsored by the State Library, or an online workshop sponsored by WebJunction.  These workshops will be conducted in March and April 2007.
  • Encourage staff from those eligible facilities on the Gates-generated list to attend free TechAtlas workshops.
  • Assist eligible facilities in running the TechAtlas utility by May 11, 2007; track facilities that have run the TechAtlas utility and encourage eligible facilities to complete the process.
  • Prepare and submit application to the State Library for Gates grant funds on behalf of eligible facilities. Administer project and ensure funds are spent in accordance with Gates program requirements; including authentication of required matching funds.
  • Assist eligible facilities in purchasing computer hardware according to the grant program timeline and Gates criteria/requirements.  This might be accomplished through group purchases, providing criteria for equipment purchases, or requiring that the system must approve all equipment purchases.  However, this is not a requirement.  Individual libraries may purchase their computers individually.
  • Encourage eligible facilities to run the required TechAtlas activity again in Spring/Summer 2008 (will determine eligibility for Year Two of funding) and Spring/Summer 2009, or according to Gates grant timeline.
  • Encourage eligible facilities to complete the mandatory ALA/Florida State University Gates surveys three times during the grant period.
  • Encourage eligible member libraries to attend mandatory Gates Advocacy Workshops to be held during the first year of the grant period in multiple locations in New York State. Such workshops can be either attended in-person or on-line.  All travel expenses will be reimbursed by the Gates Foundation.
  • Provide program information to the State Library as needed so the State Library can complete and submit all required reports to Gates.
  • Encourage a system staff person to participate in a TechAtlas workshop, either a hands-on workshop sponsored by the State Library, or an online workshop sponsored by WebJunction.  These workshops will be conducted in March and April 2007.*
  • Encourage staff from those eligible facilities on the Gates-generated list to attend free TechAtlas workshops.*
  • Assist eligible facilities in running the TechAtlas utility by May 11, 2007; track facilities that have run the TechAtlas utility and encourage eligible facilities to complete the process.*

* Completed

About the Initiative
State Partnership Grant
Library Training Program Grant
Staying Connected 1
Staying Connected 2
Rural Library Sustainability Project
Spanish Language Outreach Program
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Last Updated: June 26, 2009