Meeting of the Board of Regents | January 2010
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TO: |
Cultural Education Committee |
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FROM: |
Jeffrey W. Cannell |
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SUBJECT: |
Update on Broadband Initiatives |
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DATE: |
December 30, 2009 |
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STRATEGIC GOAL: |
4 |
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AUTHORIZATION(S): |
SUMMARY
Issue for Discussion
The New York State Library is managing a wide range of broadband initiatives including the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Grant ($947,000) and the New York State Office for Technology/Chief Information Officer Grants ($235,000) and two pending federal Broadband Technology Opportunity Program grant requests (approximately $34 million). An update will highlight these programs as well as initiatives to improve digital literacy and increase library use of broadband technology applications.
Background Information
Broadband is a critical technology for delivering lifelong learning and a myriad range of other services through the state’s libraries. The New York State Library and other State Education Department partners are working to secure and spend federal and foundation funds to increase broadband capacity in the state’s 755 public libraries.
Attachment