American Library Association to Hold BTOP Webinar, Releases 'Nuts and Bolts' Guide

WASHINGTON, August 5, 2009 – The American Libraries Association will hold its third and final webinar on Wednesday at 1 p.m. ET, before the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) first-round applications are due on Friday, August 14. This webinar will focus on the “nuts and bolts” of the application process for libraries.

The ALA on Wednesday released “A Note on Resources about Jobs and the Economy: Assistance for the Library Community in Their Applications to the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program,” supporting the webinar materials.

This document is in tandem with an informational guide already posted the association.

“We want to ensure every library interested in BTOP funding has the knowledge and guidance necessary for a successful application,” said Emily Sheketoff, executive director of the ALA Washington Office.

While informing the library community about the Notice of Funding Availability and application guidelines, the ALA Washington Office has also advocated for improvements to the BTOP Broadband Infrastructure Program so that libraries are more likely to apply and receive funding in the second and third rounds of the grant program.

Also on Wednesday, the ALA highlighted “U.S. Public Libraries and E-Government Services,” a report which found that 61 percent of libraries report providing access to government information as one of the most critical internet services they provide. The study also points to the increasing public dependence on library computers, highlighting another ALA study that reported the public library is the only source of no-fee Internet access for 71 percent of America’s communities.

Additional ALA resources can be found at www.ala.org/knowyourstimulus.