The foundation is working with WebJunction to help libraries plan for technology, manage hardware and software, train staff and patrons and share best practices. The training and support documentation once found at www.gatesfoundation.org is now available at the links below.

Accessibility: Equal Access
"Increasing Accessibility of Public Access Computing for Patrons with Disabilities"


Space Planning
Space-planning guides and downloadable posters to help patrons with computer basics.  

Technology Basics
Help with hardware, software, the Internet, security, basic computer support, and networking

Web Guides 
Downloadable guides for patrons, including genealogy resources, African-American and Latino resources, search resources, senior resources, and more

WebJunction also provides information on marketing, data and analysis of trends in the library world, online communities, information on buying and funding technology for your library, and a monthly e-newsletter for subscribers.

Learn more about WebJunction.

Past Support for U.S. Library Program Grantees

In addition to hardware and software, the U.S. Library Program provided participating libraries with technical support, training and curricula, networking and logistics support.

With each grant, libraries received:

Hardware and Software
Libraries received computer equipment specially designed for public access computing and pre-loaded with reference, productivity, and children’s software.

Grant options included a one-, two-, four- or six-computer package. Each package included Gateway computer(s) with monitor(s), hard drive, CD-ROM drive, floppy drive, sound card, Ethernet card (10/100), and printer.

Select library systems received training labs to be used for staff training, patron-training, and general public access. Standard training labs included 11 computers.

Networking Funds
If a library did not meet the minimum Internet connectivity requirements, the foundation paid for the initial circuit installation, setup charges, and required equipment or the charges related to upgrading the connection and equipment to the minimum requirements.

Training
The foundation provided training to library staff on the equipment and software tools they would use on a daily basis to serve their patrons. Each library that received computers received training by a foundation representative, often on-site. The foundation also offered “train-the-trainer” workshops for representatives from library systems that received computer labs. Participants were trained on administering the lab, developing computer use policies, and conducting public training. In addition, the foundation awarded a round of training grants to state library agencies to help states establish their own training programs for public library staff.

Technical Support
The foundation’s technical support department provided telephone and online support for libraries for granted hardware and software.

Technical support documents are now available at WebJunction.