Broadband Technology Opportunity Program (BTOP)

http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/libdev/nybbexpress/

Mid York Library System (MYLS) is the recipient of two BTOP grants, ending September 1, 2012, to create a Public Computer center (PCC) and an eMobile PCC.

The Purpose of MYLS’s PCCs

The MYLS PCC and eMobile PCC will provide free computing services to assist the unemployed/underemployed and other vulnerable populations. These populations include individuals in need of social services, including the physically disabled, seniors, individuals with little or no English language proficiency, and others. Access is offered to member libraries and community organizations with a focus on train-the-trainer services.

Services will include, but not be limited to: digital literacy training; workforce training to help job seekers with locating employment opportunities, resume preparation, test preparation, interviewing skills, teleconferencing, job research, completion of online applications etc; assistance for small businesses; and access to essential e-government and other online resources for healthcare, education, social services and citizenship.

eMobile PCC

The eMobile PCC allows for a 15 laptop network to be set up anyplace wireless broadband exists or cellular service is available. It will serve the Mid York member libraries for staff training or to extend the member library’s services to the public. The eMobile PCC is also available to community organizations supporting digital literacy or employment.

PCC

The fixed PCC is located at the Mid York Library System, 1600 Lincoln Ave., Utica, NY; and will be controlled access facility. It will serve the Mid York member libraries for staff training and community organizations supporting digital literacy or employment. Video teleconferencing will be offered in the fall of 2011.

The New York State Library, a unit of the Office of Cultural Education within the New York State Education Department (NYSED), has been awarded $9.5 million in a grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to expand computer access in public libraries across New York State. The funding is being provided through the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA) Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP). List of all BTOP New York Public Computer Centers: http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/libdev/nybbexpress/xprs_map.htm