Public Libraries Meet at WebJunction

DUBLIN, Ohio, USA, 07 May 2003—OCLC Online Computer Library Center will launch an exciting new Web-based service designed to help public libraries and other institutions that offer public access computing to share knowledge and experience in providing technology to patrons. The resource, called WebJunction (http://webjunction.org/), will be unveiled May 12, 2003, at the Great Hall of the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C.

WebJunction is being developed through a three-year, $9 million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The foundation’s U.S. Library Program works in partnership with public libraries to provide public access to computers, the Internet and digital information for patrons in low-income communities in the United States.

WebJunction gives public librarians a broad range of resources, including a forum for sharing information on policies and practices (e.g., Internet access for minors), technical resources, advice for purchasing hardware and software, and community message/discussion boards that cover both day-to-day support issues as well as broader management topics.

OCLC is working with four partners that collectively bring the research, evaluation, governance, e-learning and technology skills instrumental to the successful design, development and operation of the Web site.

The Colorado State Library (www.cde.state.co.us/index_library.htm), part of the Colorado Department of Education, encourages and supports the development of public, school, and college and university libraries to improve library services. CSL also develops and supports the Colorado Virtual Library providing access to library resources and quality Web resources state wide. The state library has conducted a thorough needs assessment and is responsible for ongoing evaluation of WebJunction. It also facilitates communications with other state libraries.

The mission of the Benton Foundation (www.benton.org) is to advance a public interest vision for the digital age and to demonstrate the value of communications for solving social problems. Its focus is on accelerating digital opportunity for all people. The Benton Foundation recommended governance and advisory structures and is assisting with online community building strategies for WebJunction.

Isoph (www.isoph.com) offers expertise in instructional and graphic design, application development, and data integration to help mission-driven organizations achieve their fundamental goals. Its proprietary technology, Isoph Blue, enables the creation of Web communities driven by learning. For WebJunction, Isoph provides e-learning course content, the learning management system application of Isoph Blue via Web services, and assistance with site design.

TechSoup (www.techsoup.org) is a comprehensive technology Web site just for nonprofits. TechSoup is a project of CompuMentor, a leading technology assistance organization serving the nonprofit community. This well-respected resource provides content evaluation, syndication of TechSoup content, and helps in developing low-cost technology replacement strategies for WebJunction.

“Almost 100 percent of U.S. public libraries now offer public access to computing. However, many public libraries face a critical shortage of support for computer services they offer that goes well beyond technical, equipment-related concerns,” said Marilyn Mason, WebJunction Program Director and former director of the public library systems in Cleveland, Ohio, and Atlanta, Georgia. “During these difficult economic times, public librarians are trying to make best use of existing resources, and many do not have access to technology training or guidance on computer usage policies. WebJunction will help library staff be more effective in offering and sustaining public access computing—helping them do more with less by connecting them with each other in an environment of difficult budgets.”

“People have come to rely on public access computers in their public libraries, and we must support libraries so this service can continue. The interactive WebJunction Web site will be an invaluable tool for the thousands of libraries working to sustain public access computing stations,” said Richard Akeroyd, Director of International Library Initiatives for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. “By providing free, online technical assistance, the site will help libraries of all sizes maintain and even grow their public access workstations.”

About the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is building upon the unprecedented opportunities of the 21st century to improve equity in global health and learning. Led by Bill Gates’ father, William H. Gates, Sr., and Patty Stonesifer, the Seattle-based foundation has an endowment of approximately $24 billion.

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OCLC is a registered trademark of OCLC. WebJunction is a trademark/service mark of OCLC.