Activities continue with the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) project. Now into the second year of the two-year “online @ your library” project, the majority of Idaho’s least connected public libraries have seen connectivity increases from an average of 1.5 Mbps to an average of 11 Mbps. In addition, 485 BTOP-funded computers have been installed in those libraries. The online resource LearningExpress Library is well-used statewide and Idaho Department of Labor’s “Maximize Your Job Search” workbook and online workshop are now available. Work continues on additional online resources that will be available statewide.

BTOP kick-offs at connectivity libraries

Thirteen Idaho public libraries have held “online @ your library” celebrations to showcase their expanded broadband and public access technology. Additional events are in the works. Events included comments from VIPs, open houses, ribbon cuttings, demonstrations of the new online resources, and displays of related library books. See event photos at www.flickr.com/photos/icflphotos/sets/72157627844180753/.

BTOP public service announcements

Public service announcements (PSAs) informing people about online resources at their libraries and LiLI.org have been airing on Idaho Public Television for many months. Idaho PTV was recently on-site during some libraries’ BTOP kick-offs to capture footage for a new round of PSAs. The camera crew filmed community members who were using the new computers and asked them to describe how the library keeps them connected. The participants were good sports about doing what was asked and are excited about this new round of public service announcements. You can view many of the PSAs airing on Idaho PTV at http://libraries.idaho.gov/blogs/teresalipus/view-online-your-library-psas. Radio PSAs targeting the unemployed or underemployed are airing during University of Idaho football games as well as before and after Boise State University football games.

Digital literacy coaches in the libraries

Through a partnership between the Idaho Department of Labor and the Idaho Commission for Libraries, 12 Idaho Summer Youth Corps teens were placed in libraries as digital literacy coaches. The coaches helped library users with questions about how to use computers and what online education, job search, and training resources are available. Hosting a digital literacy coach benefitted the libraries and their users and gave participating youth some real-world work experience.

Labor and the Commission are evaluating the 2011 digital literacy coach program, examining what worked well and what could be improved, with the possible goal of repeating the program in spring/summer of 2012 and extending an invitation to all public libraries to participate.