The Alaska State Library has launched an $8.2 million project to connect 104 libraries across the state to faster Internet service, reports Sean Manget for the Alaska Journal of Commerce. The program, called Alaska OWL: Online With Libraries, will also provide equipment for video conferencing, computer hardware and software, and trained specialists to service many of those facilities.
Internet speeds can make downloading a 10-megabyte file (the size of a few picture-heavy PDF files) a daylong affair in Unalaska, said Daniel Masoni, director of the public library in Unalaska. One community is planning on using the video conferencing capability to train public safety officers and firefighters. "So it's not like we're providing a set of particular trainers or educational opportunities and they have to choose from that set. Instead, whatever they want, and whatever they need, they can reach out for and get," Linda Thibodeau, director of Alaska Libraries, Archives and Museums, said to Manget.
The U.S. Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration is providing most of the funds, plus matching contributions from the state, non-profit organizations, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the Rasmuson Foundation and from the Alaska State Library. (Read more)
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