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Dear Digital Inclusion Supporter,
The Communities Connect Network Partner Public Computing Centers (PCC) continue to implement new programs and purchase equipment to improve their service to their lab users. This month, our "Spotlight On" section highlights three rural library partners in the northwest region of our state. Rural PCCs have different needs and challenges than our urban partners, and we are very proud of the innovative work being done in these locations. |
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Spotlight On...
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Skagit County Rural Libraries
The Upper Skagit Regional Library, Burlington Public Library, and La Conner Regional Library serve library customers by providing wired and wireless broadband Internet access, computer and job skills trainings, and job search resources.
Upper Skagit and La Conner Regional Libraries
At the Upper Skagit Regional Library, located in rural Concrete, many residents of the economically challenged community have only a dial-up Internet connection -- or no connection at all -- in their homes. Dial-up connections can be slow and unreliable. The library provides them with a consistent Internet connection, as well as desktop and laptop computers. Library patrons can check their e-mails, search and apply for jobs, and sharpen their skills. Additionally, Library Director Aimee Hirschel coordinates after-hours computer training using their CCNP BTOP-funded laptops on topics ranging from basic computer skills to Microsoft Word and beyond.
In La Conner, home to the Washington State's annual Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, La Conner Regional Library Director Joy Neal uses her laptop computer lab both in the library and on the road. From the CCNP BTOP funding, she purchased Wi-Fi hotspots so she can teach Internet skills classes at places like the local senior and community centers, where there is no wireless access.
Burlington Public Library
At the Burlington Public Library, CCNP BTOP funding has led to partnerships with local employment agencies to provide training to residents and small business owners. For example, Library Director Maggie Buckholz has formed partnerships with the Economic Development Association of Skagit County (EDASC) and Goodwill to create a series of computer training classes aimed at getting people employment-ready. Later this year, in partnership with EDASC, the Library will hold a series of trainings and workshops titled: "Financing Options, an educational tradeshow for business and lenders," and "Business Planning and Finance." These are aimed at helping small business owners understand and access the financing available from lending institutions.  | |
A job-seeker uses one of the CCNP BTOP-funded computer stations to search for employment opportunities and
update her resume.
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Additionally, the library has three dedicated CCNP BTOP funded desktop computer terminals located next to a variety of printed career resource materials. A librarian provides one-on-one help for users to search and apply for jobs, as well as create and update resumes.
Sherry Bray, a Burlington resident searching for employment opportunities, first came to the Burlington Public Library because there were no computers available at the unemployment office. She values the ability to be on the CCNP BTOP Career Center computers for up to three hours. The extended time gives her the ability to create a customized resume, apply for jobs, and meet other people who are in similar circumstances. With the help and direction of library staff, she's upgraded her computer skills from Windows XP to Windows 7 and now considers herself a more desirable candidate for available jobs in her field.
Find all three libraries in the CCN Network Directory.
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| What's New in the Communities Connect Network |
CCN Success Stories
Come and see what's new on the Communities Connect Network Web Portal. Does your public computing center have an inspirational story to share with the Communities Connect Network? Please fill out our Success Stories form. If you need help using the form or you have need to set up an account, please contact Amy Hirotaka at ahirotaka@edlabgroup.org.
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| Project Update | |
New Data for the National Broadband Map
The National Broadband Map was released one year ago. Thanks to the NTIA's state partners, the data is updated every six months. The map has just been updated and it's a great time to find out about the level of connectivity in your community. From the NTIA BTOP blog:
The map has proven a valuable tool to a wide range of stakeholders, including consumers, researchers, policymakers, local planning officials, and application developers. Broadband drives economic growth and innovation - including advances in health care, education, and public safety - so data on America's broadband capabilities is of increasing importance, especially as we work to close the digital divide.
Building Community Networks in Wisconsin
In Eau Claire and Chippewa Falls, the Building Community Capacity Through Broadband (BCCB) is using BTOP funds to lay more than 600 miles of fiber. From their blog post:
The network lets government agencies share document imaging systems and other costly software applications. It allows emergency medical workers to send EKG data from the field to local hospitals in real time. It makes it possible for regional hospitals to transmit MRIs, CT scans and other big digital images to physicians in remote locations. And it enables video surveillance of local parks and even a municipal ice rink for public safety.
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| Resources | |
Building Digital Communities
With the University of Washington and the International City/County Management Association, the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) has released a new resource to help communities bridge the digital divide. Building Digital Communities: A Framework for Action and Building Digital Communities: Getting Started will help communities set a vision for the future.
Webinars and Trainings Offered by Tincan
Tincan, a BTOP recipient located in Eastern Washington, is offering a series of free webinars (as well as in-person trainings) on a range of Internet topics.
Community Broadband Networks
This site tracks locally operated municipal broadband networks and tells their stories.
Tenderloin Technology Lab Classroom
This San Francisco based public computing center has generously posted their excellent computer training curriculum online. All they ask in return is that you share how the curriculum worked for you.
NTEN's Upcoming Nonprofit Technology Conference
Even if you're not attending the conference, you can still register at a reasonable rate for the Online Conference!
Beth Kanter on Pinterest
Beth Kanter's blog has been mentioned as a resource before, but her Pinterest Boards deserve their own mention. With boards entitled "Nonprofit Resources," "Wishlist of Books for Nonprofits," and "Social Media Research," Beth has created a prolific group of resources for the nonprofit technology community. Pinterest is an online tool that lets you organize and share things you find on the web.
Ash Shephard
CCN Partner NPower's Ash Shephard has a website full of information. The latest post is to help you get your organizations Facebook Timeline looking professional.
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About CCN
| Mission: Communities Connect Network (CCN) works to ensure digital inclusion and technology opportunities for all residents of Washington State.
For more information about Communities Connect Network (CCN), please contact Leslie Rae Schmitz, Senior Project Director for Digital Inclusion a t lschmitz@edlabgroup.org or 425.477.4778.    |
| About the EdLab Group | 
The EdLab Group is a private, non-profit organization with funding from federal and state governments, private foundations, corporations, and individuals. Our mission is to leverage the power of technology and diversity to transform teaching and learning. We respect your privacy and do not sell, share or allow our list to be viewed by other individuals or companies. For more information about the EdLab Group, visit our website at www.edlabgroup.org. |
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