[Web4lib] WANTED: Libraries with smart solutions for keeping public access computers running

[Drew, Bill]

I have been asked by the MaintainIT project to post this message as
widely as possible.  It is another great joint project between the Gates
Foundation, WebJunction and TechSoup. Sorry for any multiple messages
you get.
 
Bill Drew

________________________________


WANTED: Libraries with smart solutions for keeping public access
computers running

Maintaining PACs can be a challenge for libraries.

Many individuals rely on public access computers (PACs) in public
libraries to find information and resources that can significantly
improve their lives. However, keeping PACs running can often be a
challenge for busy librarians.

Enter the MaintainIT Project (www.maintainitproject.org): Funded by the
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Project is collecting stories about
working with PACs. Based on these stories, we will identify best
practices for maintaining PACs, and create a series of guides tailored
to specific types of libraries. The guides will be distributed free of
charge through numerous channels, including WebJunction
(www.webjunction.org).

About the MaintainIT Project

The MaintainIT Project is a three-year project funded by the Bill &
Melinda Gates Foundation.
We are working with public libraries to identify best practices of
technical support for public access computers (PACs). The Project works
with libraries throughout the U.S. and Canada, while focusing on
libraries in the 18 states that are receiving the first round of
hardware upgrade grants from the Foundation.

MaintainIT is a project of TechSoup (www.techsoup.org
<http://www.techsoup.org> ), a nonprofit serving fellow
nonprofits and public libraries with technology information, resources,
and product donations.

Found a good solution?
Share your story!

Are you a librarian, IT staff, technology consultant, or anybody else
working with PACs? Your input is essential for helping us pull together
the most useful information for how to keep library
PACs running:

Share your challenges: What do you need to know to maintain your PACs?
Share your successes:What has been helpful and what have you learned?
* Post your story on our Web site: www.maintainitproject.org
* Email us at: maintainit at techsoup.org
* Call us at: 800-659-3579 x390 or 415-633-9390
Other ways to get involved
* Comment on questions and findings posted on our
www.maintainitproject.org Web site
* Help us spread the word about the project
* Talk to us at a conference - find our schedule of conferences on our
Web site
* Call or email us with questions at:
800-659-3579 x390 or
maintainit at techsoup.org
MaintainIT Project is a project of TechSoup, supported by the
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation MaintainIT Project *
www.maintainitproject.org

Calling all small rural libraries!

We are collecting stories from libraries of all sizes until March 2008.
During the first project phase (October-December 2006), we will be
focusing on small, rural libraries, because our first guide will be
tailored to your needs. If you work in - or know of - a small rural
library with a good PAC story, please contact us by 12/15/2006.


________________________________

Technorati <http://technorati.com/>  tags:
MainainIT <http://technorati.com/tag/MainainIT> , WebJunction
<http://technorati.com/tag/WebJunction> 


--
Posted by Bill Drew to Baby Boomer Librarian
<http://babyboomerlibrarian.blogspot.com/2006/11/wanted-libraries-with-s
mart-solutions.html>  at 11/13/2006 10:33:00 AM