All public library directors should have received an e-mail last Friday addressing the candidate pool for our Broadband Technology Opportunity Program (BTOP) grant proposal. Over the spring we’ve heard from a number of libraries that their reported connectivity speed is incorrect.

Our Public Computing Center application has passed the first step of the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program evaluation process. As of May 18, our application is in the due diligence phase. In the next few days we expect to receive a Supplemental Information Request with the reviewers’ follow-up questions.

“Site visits to 63 public libraries reveal the power of technology on staff and users.”

I just read an article in the October 2008 issue of American Libraries titled “Libraries Connect Communities.” Authors Peggy Barber and Linda Wallace share what they learned as part of the team conducting the Public Library Funding and Technology Access Study.

The study included a nationwide survey of libraries (the 2008 survey is underway now); focus groups with library employees, trustees, and users; and library site visits.