COVID-19 impacted the way we work, go to school, access healthcare and communicate with each other. The pandemic amplified the need for internet access in rural and underserved areas where connection speeds do not meet the minimum accepted level of 25 Mbps down/3 Mbps up. To assist in meeting this need, libraries, schools, and other community support organizations were looking for new ways to bridge the digital divide. The need was obvious, with 22 percent of students being forced to use public Wi-Fi to complete their homework and over half of U.S. adults saying the internet has been essential during the pandemic (Source: Pew Research Center).
Georgia Public Library Service (GPLS) dedicated part of federal CARES Act funding from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), along with state technology funding, to fund a variety of technology projects that supported the connectivity needs of our public libraries during the pandemic. The Libraries Without Walls grant initiative targeted the five focus areas: Chromebooks, Tech Innovation, Wi-Fi Expansion, Google Workspace Migration, and Broadband Infrastructure.
AWARD TOTAL: $959,374.00
INFOGRAPHIC (PDF)
A portion of CARES Act funding was awarded to migrate the remaining library systems in Georgia to Google Workspace (formerly G Suite). This grant funded the necessary cost increase to migrate all interested systems by covering the pro-rated cost for 2020 and the full annual cost of 2021.
50 domains (48 systems) have been migrated to the GPLS-managed environment
6 systems host their own instance
4 systems host their own email/cloud service
5 additional systems have shown interest in migrating
5 new systems have already been migrated
Total Funding Awarded: $25,000
A portion of CARES Act funding was awarded to libraries for the deployment of pre-configured Chromebooks to create or expand a device lending program. Chromebooks were divided up according to the RPLAC formula (like Lib Tech allocations) and drop shipped with white-glove service to the awarded libraries. White-glove service included pre-enrolling, updating, checking for DOA status, and placing devices in library system's Chrome management group. The intention of this grant was to provide long-term device loans with priority lending given to to K-12, university, and technical college students. Applications were evaluated based on impact, need, and readiness.
Total Funding Awarded: 501 devices totaling $128,757.00
A portion of CARES Act funding and state technology funding was awarded to assist libraries that needed a little extra funding for technology innovations to improve library services in a meaningful way. Lib Tech funding covered devices and other allowable items under the program, while charges for installation and other un-allowable items were covered by CARES funding allowing for the complete project to be funded. The intention of this grant was to fund projects where the technology enabled libraries to impact their communities during the pandemic. Applications were evaluated based on creativity, impact, and compliance. Possible projects were:
devices to checkout to patrons
converting public access machines to Chrome devices
replacing old servers to improve service to patrons
upgrading access points to increase Wi-Fi range and strength
devices to track wireless statistics
mobile hotspots with plans included through September 2021
Total Funding Awarded: 10 awards totaling $186,200.59
A portion of CARES Act funding was awarded to libraries for the deployment of TV White Space (TVWS) and other Wi-Fi expansion technologies in their communities. The intent of this grant was to assist libraries with extending Wi-Fi service beyond library buildings to narrow the digital divide for patrons, especially students. Applications were evaluated based on impact, need, and viability. Possible projects were:
Line of Sight Wi-Fi devices to strengthen service
Mesh networks to provide coverage over a large area
TVWS to expand coverage beyond the library building
External access points/equipment on building
Internal access points upgrade
Total Funding Awarded: 6 awards totaling $56,652.90
A portion of CARES Act funding was awarded to libraries for the deployment of broadband infrastructure upgrades. The intention of these grants was to bring all libraries in Georgia up to a standard baseline of Wi-Fi availability and Wi-Fi statistics gathering. These grants reimbursed the non-discounted portion of the E-rate Category 2 (CAT 2) costs not funded by USAC. Possible projects were:
Internal Connections (such as access points, routers, switches, hubs, and wiring)
Managed Internal Broadband Services (operation, management, and monitoring of eligible broadband internal connections by a third party)
Basic Maintenance of Internal Connections (eligible repair and upkeep services include hardware, wiring, and cable maintenance, along with basic technical support and configuration changes for eligible products)
Total Funding Awarded: 8 award totaling $31,864.68