The Library of Michigan created the Reed Act/Gates Foundation Broadband Grant Program using federal Reed Act funds allocated to the Library by the Michigan Legislature and Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation funds for one-time broadband upgrade costs. This program has enabled public libraries to enhance the connectivity of their public access computers to provide quick access to Internet resources for the unemployed. Libraries applied for funding in two separate rounds of funding for broadband upgrades and for the non-discounted portion of their annual telecommunications and/or Internet service costs. Priority was given to libraries in areas of high unemployment. Libraries will either apply for federal E-rate discounts or confirm local funding for ongoing sustainability of their broadband services.

Reed Act/Gates Foundation Broadband program grant recipients, round 1 [Excel spreadsheet]

Reed Act/Gates Foundation Broadband program grant recipients, round 2 [Excel spreadsheet]

See related press release:
Granholm, Anderson Announce Broadband Grants to Boost Internet Access at Public Libraries Across the State

Grant Recipient Evaluation and Reporting Forms (PDFs)

Reed Act/Gates Foundation Evaluation Directions

Reed Act/Gates Foundation Observation Form

Reed Act/Gates Foundation Summary Form

Reed Act/Gates Foundation Survey Form

Other Helpful Resources

Michigan eLibrary information on unemployment benefits in Michigan

Michigan career portal from the Michigan Department of Career Development: http://www.michigan.gov/careers

WebJunction - an online community of libraries and other agencies sharing knowledge and experience to provide the broadest public access to information technology: http://www.webjunction.org

Staying Connected Toolkit - A toolkit to build support in the community for technology programs: http://www.gatesfoundation.org/Libraries/USLibraryProgram/Stayingconnected/default.htm

For further information regarding the Reed Act/Gates Foundation Broadband Program, e-mail Linda Schatz, EdTech Strategies consultant to the Library of Michigan, at lschatz@edtechstrategies.net

Updated 04/28/2006