Fwd: GPLS Libraries Without Walls Grant Opened Today!

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Shannan Furlow

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Sep 17, 2020, 12:59:01 PM9/17/20

to GPLS - Grow With Google

Hello all,

I know many of you are waiting for word of the Spotlight Award for the Grow with Google grant. I am still waiting on word on this and the funding for those remaining libraries.

In the meantime, I hope you will consider the grant that I announced in the email below as a possible alternative to those ideas you've been sitting on. They may qualify under the Tech Innovation portion of the grant. You would have to create a larger project out of it, like the spotlight award, with technology a major part of the proposal. I just wanted to throw the idea out there!

Again, here is the link to the grant: https://galibtech.georgialibraries.org/lift-grants/cares-act-grants/libraries-without-walls-grants.

Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions on this. Thanks so much!

Shannan

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Shannan Furlow <sfu...@georgialibraries.org>
Date: Thu, Sep 17, 2020 at 11:00 AM
Subject: GPLS Libraries Without Walls Grant Opened Today!
To: TECHTALK <TECH...@georgialibraries.org>, GPLS - LIFT Grants <LI...@georgialibraries.org>

Hello all,

Today, we announced at the directors meeting a new GPLS tech grant for our libraries, primarily funded by the CARES Act, called the Libraries Without Walls grant. The grant has five focus areas:

G Suite Migrations - Migrating interested libraries from outdated email and productivity tools to the cloud-based G Suite from Google - grants awarded.

Chromebooks - Shipping set-up Chromebooks directly to libraries to create a lending program - deadline September 30 - application window opened today!

Direct shipped pre-configured Chromebooks with white glove service.

Tech Innovation - Projects that embrace innovative technology to address the changing needs of libraries - deadline October 30 - application window opened today!

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

Wi-Fi Expansion - Projects that extend Wi-Fi beyond the library, including TV White Space (TVWS), Line of Sight Wi-FI, and Mesh Networks - deadline December 30 - application window opens November 1, 2020.

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

Broadband Infrastructure - Projects that bring libraries up to a standard level of Wi-Fi connection and statistics gathering, focusing on applications that need help with E-rate Cat 2 non-discounted amount for the current year - deadline January 30, 2021 - application window opens December 1, 2020.

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)

More information can be found on the dedicated page for the Libraries Without Walls grant. As always, please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions or if you want assistance with an application. Thank you and have a wonderful weekend!

Shannan