Okaloosa County BOCC — July 15, 2014 — Okaloosa 14-SP-01 narrative — reading text

PROGRAM GRANT NARRATIVE -- OKALOOSA COUNTY $85,635 Program funds will support library service and development in technology infrastructure, increased digital services to patrons, and custom projects in libraries. The six public libraries in Okaloosa County provide critical access to technology for a population of approximately 190,000 people. Libraries are the only source of free Internet access and computers in the community. They provide classes in computer skills and the opportunity to experience and test developing technologies. The public relies upon libraries as a testing ground to help them make informed decisions on whether individual investment in technologies will be useful, achievable or economical. The public relies upon libraries to provide access to technology that is not financially possible or technically feasible at their homes. Tablet style devices are an example of a quickly growing segment of technology that Okaloosa libraries have been unable to support. They have not provided even demonstration tablets for patrons to explore. And without tablets to train upon, there are very few library employees knowledgeable enough to assist patrons who bring their own tablets to the library. The Pew Research Center reported that as of January 2014, 42% of American adults own tablets. The Cooperative does not offer sufficient eBooks and eAudio books to meet customer demand, and it has yet to provide digital magazines. As more patrons come to the library with their own devices, the inability to print wirelessly has become a significant issue in customer service. Not all patrons are able to attend computer skills classes in libraries due to transportation or work schedule issues. Others simply prefer to work at self-paced, online instruction. Some community members also need to build basic skills in reading and math that increase their employment options, or to prepare for professional certification exams and higher education entrance exams. Helping to build a ready workforce is a priority for the Cooperative. The addition of online study tools for these purposes is needed. Patrons without home access to Internet will be able use library computers at their convenience to pursue the classes. Program funds will be used to expand the collection of digital books and audio books offered through the OCPLC OverDrive service. A digital magazine service will be added for FY2014-2015; each library will receive an iPad for customer access to digital magazines and as a teaching/demonstration tool for patrons. A wireless printer will be purchased for each library. A subscription to an online self-education program, such as Learning Express Library or Universal Class, will be purchased for FY2014-2015. In addition to the important role as technology innovator and provider, the libraries maintain their historic functions of circulating materials, resource sharing and programming through reliance on electronic systems. These systems require upgrades to most effectively provide the services needed by library clientele. The replacement of old computers and peripheral equipment will ensure efficient, accurate services to library visitors. In the past year, the libraries had to replace all Windows XP computers on both staff and public networks due to the cessation of Microsoft support. This large scale replacement of over 190 machines strapped the libraries’ budgets; there are still old computers in service and several libraries did not have sufficient funds to replace the scanners and printers. This situation necessitated the use of “work-arounds” for old peripherals without USB connections which limits functionality and requires repair orders from the county’s technical support department. Program funds will be used to replace barcode scanners and receipt printers at three of the six libraries. A 10-year old laser printer will be replaced. Eight out-dated patron computers will be replaced. An OPAC computer and a staff computer will be added to the network. An accurate database of holdings and a customer-friendly catalog interface are essential to help patrons find the information they seek. The Cooperative’s ILS includes an inventory module that the libraries are unable to use because old hand-held inventory devices stopped working almost two years ago and could not be replaced. The inability to perform an inventory is damages the libraries’ need for accuracy and accountability of its materials. Library users desire more interactivity with the online catalog, asking for more content and a more seamless interface with the OverDrive digital site. Patrons also wish to receive their hold and overdue notices by SMS message, which is not currently possible with the ILS. Program funds will be used to add functionality to the ILS shared by Cooperative members. Each library and the Cooperative office will receive a tablet and wireless scanner with which to do inventory; a wireless receipt printer will be added to the kit so the devices can also be used for mobile circulation functions. Program funds will be used to assist Cooperative member libraries in achieving individualized service goals, most of which center around technology. Items to be purchased include computers and recording equipment for a multimedia lab, laptop computers, additional tablets, multimedia projector and screen, TV monitor, and listening station. Library projects will also require chairs, juvenile nonfiction books, adult fiction books and library shelving. Funds not expended on these anticipated projects will be used for the operation and maintenance of library services, and will be accounted in the final grant report. PROGRAM BUDGET $85,635 DIGITAL SERVICES - $24,000 $10,000 digital content for OverDrive: e-books and e-audio books $8,000 digital magazine service $6,000 online learning system TECHNOLOGY SERVICES - $8,000 $8,000 ILS upgrades EQUIPMENT - $44,815 $16,100 Inventory/mobile circulation kits (7): Dell tablet, case, wireless scanner, wireless receipt printer $4,500 Dell tablets (3) $3,500 iPads w/case (7) $3,000 Laser printers (8) with wi-fi capability $1,600 Receipt printers (8) $1,120 Barcode scanners (8) $7,000 Desktop computers (patron 9, staff 1) $1,200 Laptop computers (2) $1,135 Multimedia projector and screen $300 Audio listening station $700 Television monitor, wall mount $1,640 Audio/video recording equipment for digital media lab $3,020 iMac workstation for digital media lab FURNITURE - $6,220 $870 Chairs for children’s dept and digital media lab $5,350 Library shelving units LIBRARY MATERIALS - $2,600 $1,800 Juvenile nonfiction books $800 Adult fiction books