In March 2020 the Libraries Branch announced a one-time funding injection for the sector, a portion of which has been directed to the Co-op for sector-wide work. Of this some was earmarked to continue the work the Co-op has historically performed to assist libraries in improving their internet connectivity, specifically to “to work with libraries on improving connectivity and bandwidth options locally and regionally, to support the delivery of digital initiatives.”.
The primary goal of the projects funded by this one time money will be to bring as many poorly served library communities as possible up to contemporary standards by materially improving their internet connectivity. This can take the form of either helping them pay for network upgrades, recommendations and funds for hardware to improve their networking as well as guidance about approaches libraries should explore to help with patron connectivity at home. In the cases where funds are being offered to support operational upgrades, the goal is both an immediate improvement but within an evaluation framework that will provide evidence of the benefits in the hopes of attracting further long term support to these improvements.
The Provincial Public Library Connectivity Report of 2018 and subsequent addendum identified 3 distinct groupings of connectivity issues:
Category A – Library branches with easy access/connectivity fixes. The proposed “3 year ‘Connectivity Top-Up’ Fund” is meant to primarily address these,
Category B – Library branches that will require some investment in equipment and ongoing costs. The proposed “Strategic Networking Hardware Fund,” is aimed to assist these libraries.
Category C – Library branches that will require significant investment and longer term planning / Further investigation required. For these libraries, the Co-op has proposed the hiring of a “Connectivity Consultant” to help libraries liaise with relevant levels of government, funders and telecommunictions firms and work on proposals for long term improvments.
A list of projects funded to date can be found at Successful Grantees to Date