Gates Foundation, Indiana Libraries And SLIS Interns Team-up To Cross The 'Digital Divide'?

What does it mean to your life's potential to be so poor that your family can't afford a computer, not to mention monthly low-cost Internet access?

Food, second-hand clothes, and if lucky, adequate housing or the barest necessities are the most you can hope for until you can support yourself. Maybe. What are your choices? Trying to hide the envy you feel when school friends chatter enthusiastically about the latest software purchased, a class report they researched online, or chat-buddy they just made? Or do you choose to step into a downward spiral of taking what you think you need (stealing) just to belong, to connect. Where do you turn? Where do you go?

Strangely enough, thanks to grants from the Gates Foundation, the best place to turn to is your local public library. Even when it's only partially filled with donated books in a small farming community. The card is free, and recently, so are the computers.

Alberta Davis Comer, a newly appointed Gates Foundation Intern through Indiana University's School of Library and Information Science (SLIS), knows that feeling, intimately.

Alberta recalls a young life so poor that she actually didn't know windows could be replaced with glass. She believed you just put boards up whenever glass broke. "I grew up in eastern Oklahoma, close to Sallisaw where 'The Grapes of Wrath' starts. I grew up without access to a public or a real school library. A bookmobile would periodically visit my small town and I loved the opportunity to browse its shelves. So it's not surprising that my first job, outside of farm work, was in a library."

A bookmobile changed her life.

Alberta adds, "Later on I worked at a military library in what was then West Germany. I have also worked in a public library in Austin, Texas; an academic library (University of Tulsa); a special library (Jewish library located in a synagogue); and have volunteered in public schools checking out books, repairing books, doing story hour, cataloging, and working the reference desk. I worked all of these positions without benefit of a bachelor's degree."

Alberta graduated four years ago from Indiana University with a Bachelor's degree in General Studies with minors in history and sociology and a certificate in Jewish Studies. She had a 4.0 grade point average and was the Chancellor's Scholar, winning theContinuing Studies award for the State of Indiana. She is now attending SLIS to earn a Master's Degree in Library Science (MLS).

What books alone did for Alberta, books in partnership with computers can do for generations to come.

And that's what led her to pursue the Gates Foundation Internship at SLIS.

Whenever students apply for an internship opportunity, it's difficult to know whether the potential experience will live up to expectations. But when once-in-a-lifetime internships became available to participate in a far-reaching Gates Foundation goal to assist public libraries in bringing technology to underprivileged patrons, Alberta and five other graduate students jumped at the chance.

How did this all begin?

The Gates Foundation connected with SLIS to hire student interns from the only American Library Association (ALA) accredited graduate library school program in the state of Indiana. Last April, Amy Carter, a representative from the Gates Foundation, visited IU's Bloomington campus to present details of the aggressive Indiana roll-out planned for mid-summer 2001 and ending late next spring, in 2002.

The Gates Foundation then selected twenty-five students for interviews out of a large group attending Amy's captivating presentation, delivering the Gates passion of why libraries are key to changing our collective future. Fortunate finalists for the six coveted internship slots are Alberta Davis Comer, Heather Blasco, Becky White, Pamela Anderson, David Beed and Dan Amonett. Each has a story to tell which will be told on the SLIS website (www.slis.indiana.edu), and in the IU Home Pages, over the coming months.

"These six students--Alberta, Heather, Becky, Pam, David and Dan--will make excellent candidates," indicates Amy Carter, Project Coordinator for the Gates Foundation, "They all connect with the mission of the grant program, show technical aptitude, have a demonstrated commitment to public libraries, and possess teaching/training experience. They all seem genuinely enthusiastic, eager, and well positioned to take full advantage of the opportunity."

Part of a nation-wide program to help bridge the ' digital divide,' known as the gap between those who have access to the power of technology and the Internet and those who don't, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, along with donated software from Microsoft Corporation, is about to have a state-wide impact on Indiana libraries in qualifying low-income communities.

Why libraries?

The Gates Foundation states "Because of their strong, democratic tradition of providing free access to information for all. The partnership between the Foundation and local libraries has helped reinvigorate these important community institutions and place them center stage in worldwide efforts to provide equal access to technology."

The mission, as further clarified on the Gates Foundation website reads, "Libraries, with their heritage of providing free information, are playing an important role in bridging the Digital Divide. However, many library systems lack the financial resources to provide widespread public access to technology. The combination of these factors led Bill and Melinda Gates to begin their philanthropic efforts with public libraries, to reflect their commitment to address the Digital Divide in a global, systematic way."

The five-year goal of the Library Program is to provide grants to the more than 11,000 libraries in the United States and Canada serving low-income communities; providing training to librarians; and ensuring information access for future generations.

Started in 1997, the Library Program was Bill and Melinda Gates' first major philanthropic venture. Since that time the program has made grants to more than 5,800 libraries in the United States, installed more than 25,000 PCs and trained 7,000 librarians. It is anticipated that by the end of 2003, 10,000 libraries in 50 states will have benefited from the $200 million total investment from the foundation.

This year, it's Indiana's turn to benefit.

The Gates Foundation plans to spend $5.8 million equipping 185 public library buildings in Indiana with computer hardware, software, and training. Installation and training across Indiana will be scheduled over the next year and provided by the six SLIS interns. An additional 201 buildings--eligible for partial grants--will receive free software and training from the Foundation by purchasing their computers.

"In all, over 386 library buildings in Indiana will receive either partial or full grants for computer equipment, software and training," says Ginny Andis at the Library Development Office of the Indiana State Library, the coordinating organization for determining library eligibility that prepared the initial needs assessment to qualify the state for the overall grant. "The Indiana State Library was also able to tap funds to pay for the purchase of computer equipment for those libraries qualifying for partial grants," Andis adds.

The way it works?

Libraries based in Indiana communities where 10 percent or more of the community lives in poverty (statistics based on 1990 U.S. Census) will receive computers, software, and training with the Gates Foundation grant money. Public libraries in areas where less than 10 percent of the population lives in poverty will be entitled to take advantage of the Gates software and training offer with actual computers purchased through funding provided by the Indiana State Library.

So, that brings us back to those who will install all that equipment and train librarians across the state to use the computer and software grants--Alberta, Heather, Becky, Pam, David and Dan--all interns attending Indiana University's School of Library and Information Science.

Late June, the intrepid group flew out to Seattle--sometimes referred to as the emerald city by locals--to participate in a three-day intensive hardware and software installation training by the Gates Foundation. Interns selected from the State of Ohio trained alongside the excited Indiana crew.

What's it like working with the Gates Foundation?

Becky White says it succinctly "Smooth--they're first class."

Alberta Comer recalls, "Training was very intense, so much information in such a short time! The best thing about it was the Foundation staff; they are absolutely wonderful." She adds, "Knowing that all of these wonderful trainers and service people are there to help in case of problems certainly gives me a feeling of confidence. I also feel like I am part of a bigger 'movement,' in other words, bridging the digital divide. It makes me feel like I am part of a solution that will benefit all of American society in that, by bridging the digital divide, the U.S. becomes a more equal and equitable society."

"The Gates Foundation is great," chips in David Beed, "The people are so friendly and forgiving (especially of my numerous scheduling mistakes). Trainers that I have worked with have all been so positive about what they are doing and about us as interns. They have all had so much information and experience to share as well as high praise for how much we can help Indiana over the next year. It is also nice being from the state and going to school at SLIS. I kind of feel like an ice breaker between the two worlds of the library and the Gates Foundation."

Pamela Anderson says, "I did not have much experience with computers before the internship. However, the training was excellent and I was able to retain much of what I learned there and have already been able to apply it. Probably the most exciting part for me was the hardware training. I learned how to take the computer apart and put it back together again. It was very empowering."

She continues, "I also learned how to set up user profiles and set up securities and policies. Now, I understand how computers, printers and content servers are networked. The most important thing I learned was how to troubleshoot problems. I have already had the opportunity to use this in the field and it has been invaluable."

Dan Amonett quips, "It is a perfect blending of my interest in philanthropy and technology. The internship will allow me to continue my work of helping communities in need while gaining valuable IT experience."

"For me, most of the technical stuff, like networking information about the different types of cables, IP addressing, etc. was new. I now have a good foundation of knowledge of how networks work and how to troubleshoot in a logical way," says Heather Blasco. "The Gates Foundation is a very organized, well run group. We could tell that when we were in Seattle; they treat their employees very well. Also, I have heard from librarians that it has been the easiest, most organized grant process they have dealt with. The foundation does things when they say they are going to do it and the librarians appreciate that."

Under the Gates internship grant terms, SLIS students are actually hired by Indiana University. Gates Foundation grant funding to SLIS totals $165,285.

During the upcoming year interns will work twenty hours per week; earn academic credit, receive full fee remission for classes taken Summer and Fall 2001 and Spring 2002; and travel all over the state to install and train librarians who will in turn help their patrons use the publicly accessible equipment. Interns for the Gates project are located in central Indiana at Bloomington and Indianapolis, as well as at Fort Wayne and Evansville.

But what about the greater purpose fundamental to the philanthropic intentions of the Gates Foundation?

SLIS Professor Danny Callison the faculty advisor to the six interns during the Gates internship period says of the ambitious dream, "The intent is to help those citizens who need additional human and technical support to join the basic information age. Access to and use of information in all formats, but especially electronic access through the Internet, has become a basic need for education and communication in our society. The Gates Project helps to narrow the gap between the information 'haves and have-nots'."

"While not intended to make information technology specialists out of all citizens, the basic skills and awareness of access to information electronically is as foundational today as how to use a phone or the mail in order to be a wise consumer," he says with the same level of passion demonstrated by the Gates Foundation staff. "Wise use of the Internet can lead to a more 'level playing field' for obtaining loans or financing a car or home, service in community events, expanding educational options, learning family heritage, or understanding health and legal issues."

"Citizens of all age groups, from early school to elderly can add to their knowledge base through modern electronic information access, and the Gates Foundation is supporting THE network of educational and cultural institutions which have helped citizens for over a hundred years -- our local public libraries," he exclaims.

"Public librarians are potential leaders in information education and cultural development in any community, from the small rural to the isolated poor sections of large metro areas. When public librarians are placed in these environments, local citizens have access to a professional who will help to guide them to resources and skills that improve local literacy and employment options," Callison says.

Alberta Comer agrees.

"I am very interested in bridging the digital divide. I know what it is like to be 'left behind' one's peers because of unavailable resources and I would like to help bridge this divide," she states with conviction.

"This internship will help us become more computer literate and will allow us to teach library staff to overcome their fears of computer technology so that they will be able to teach their patrons who will then be able to use the technology to better their lives, and perhaps, they too, will teach someone how to use the technology." With a half-smile Alberta says, "I see it as a continuum that just goes on and on."

"I know first hand what it is like to be faced with the daunting project of learning technology and then teaching this knowledge to others," she recalls, "At the University of Tulsa, I was the person chosen to learn the new computer system and then I taught the rest of the staff about the system. I cried every night during that week's worth of training. How could I possibly ever do this job? But I did and I grew to love it. I want to assure people that they too can learn computer technology and benefit from it. I am looking forward to the experience of seeing people grow in their knowledge and in their comfort level of working with computer technology."

Alberta plans to work in a local library for the next six years after completing the Gates Internship and after graduation from SLIS. Afterwards?

"My husband and I plan to move to the Southwest and do volunteer work on a Native American Reservation. Not only do we love the Southwest, but since I am Choctaw and Cherokee and since I grew up so very poor, I am really interested in teaching and learning in this setting."

Perhaps she'll team up again with the Gates Foundation. They fund a Tribal Outreach Project.

"When I read the goals of the Gates Foundation I had one of those moments I have heard described as an 'ah ha' moment," she says, "You know, one of those moments captured in a cartoon picture with the light bulb clicking on over the person's head. That is what it felt like. The Foundation's goals are ones that really captured my imagination."

SIDEBAR:

Alberta Davis Comer
MLS Student, Master of Library Science

"I am very interested in bridging the digital divide. I know what it is like to be 'left behind' one's peers because of unavailable resources and I would like to help bridge this divide.

I hope to learn more about computers and to learn more about how to teach people to use and be at ease with computer technology. I am sure this experience will be like many others in which I have participated. Learning will be a two-way street and I will learn as much as the people who I am teaching.

I am very grateful to SLIS and to the Gates Foundation for this wonderful opportunity."

Heather Blasco
MLS Student, Master of Library Science

"Public libraries are unique resources. They are one of the few institutions that offer free access to information to the people of their communities. In today's information age, having access to and possessing the skills to use computer technology are essential for finding much of the available information. Because many people cannot afford to have this access in their homes, or do not have the knowledge to use it, public libraries are one of the best forums for educating people about computers, the Internet, and other electronic resources.

First, public libraries need to be able to offer the access, then they can provide the education, and I want to be there. The excitement I feel when seeking out information first drew me to getting a master's degree in library science. Being able to use technology--and being able to teach others in how to use it--makes a librarian valuable to his or her institution as well as to the entire community. I want to be that valuable librarian. I want to pass on my information-seeking skills. Along the way, maybe, I can pass on some of my excitement for performing the search.

The opportunities Gates provides the interns are unmatched by any other internship program I have seen."

Becky White
MLS Student, Master of Library Science

"Small public libraries have such limited funding. I'm happy to be part of the Gates Foundation efforts to bring to them the equipment and training that they need for their patrons. Also, I've worked in the field for a long time but I've only worked for one public library. I know that they all have different ways of doing things. I want to observe as much as possible.

When I read about the Gates Internship with the learning opportunity and the tuition benefit, my first thought was perfect! I like computers. I like training people. I like visiting libraries."

Pamela Anderson
MLS Student, Master of Library Science

"What intrigues me most about my work with public libraries in the next year is a feeling of coming back home. I grew up in a very small town in Northwestern Indiana. My earliest memories were of walking to the public library. The smell of the books is etched in my mind and I recall reading every single biography the children's department held. I remember the enticement of walking upstairs to the 'Adult Department.' It was dark up there and lights were only turned on when you went into the stacks to find a book. At the time it seemed, mysterious, forbidden and alluring. I explored every nook and cranny of that library and loved it all. One would think that living in such a small town in a rural location I might feel very isolated. But alas, I had the WORLD. I had books.

For the next year I will visit libraries that are very similar to the one in which I grew up. I will be able not only to evoke those powerful and wonderful memories of my childhood, but also give back to those libraries so they may provide those same opportunities to another generation of young people."

David Beed
Dual MLS/MIS Student, Master of Library and Master of Information Science

"Public libraries are a foundation for the community. I feel that the community can only be as strong as the library. The technology that we will help bring to the libraries will allow the people to see the world in a whole new light. Their views of the world will broaden and things will open up to them. I also like the idea that children will have access to more information. The information can help them to make more informed choices about careers, colleges or opportunities they might have after they get out of high school.

The SLIS courses have taught me how to reflect on the people using the systems and not just the systems. I knew very little about the inner working of a library before SLIS, so my course work has brought me a long way in my understanding of the unique problems of the library."

Dan Amonett
PhD Student, Doctorate in Information Science

"Knowledge is power! Libraries represent the free exchange of knowledge, which empowers citizens and communities. I hope that the work we do through the foundation will enhance the libraries' abilities to serve their patrons and expand horizons.

I have just completed my second year of doctoral course work and am hoping to conduct research around evaluation of the social impacts of technology usage. I would also like to look at the impacts of programs like the Gates Library Project on the digital divide."

Dr. Daniel Callison
Gates Intern Faculty Advisor

"Since 1994 when I accepted the task to expand the SLIS practicum field experience option on our campus to include internships which might lead to placements nationally, we have attempted to establish contacts with leading library and information centers. Our success in having six IU graduate students selected is an indication of the strength of our internship program and the quality of the students at SLIS."

"The internship program at SLIS is constructed on the approach that the field experience should serve to place the student in contact with professional level experiences that will serve to move the student into the role they want upon graduation. Many of our interns are hired into their first professional job because of their internship experience with the specific library or corporation. Students enter internships to learn and practice specialized skills, but also enter after they have completed the necessary course work to demonstrate the basic skills needed to perform on the job. Often, internship supervisors find that our students, both MLS and MIS, have entry skills in organization and technology use, which exceed the common entry practice in the field."

URL's:

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
www.gatesfoundation.org

Indiana State Library
www.statelib.lib.in.us

Indiana University's School of Library and Information Science
www.slis.indiana.edu

NOTE:

An edited version of the story appeared in the September 14, 2001 edition of the IU Home Pages:

Crossing the digital divide
Hoosier public libraries benefitting from Gates Foundation grants, SLIS interns

And...

What is it like working with the Gates Foundation?
IU's SLIS interns each have a story to tell

Additional Resources 12-11-2001:

PRESS RELEASE (OCM):
SLIS interns bring computers to Indiana libraries

PRESS RELEASE (SLIS):
Indiana University, Gates Foundation Bring Computers to Indiana Libraries; Poorest Communities to Benefit

PRESS RELEASE: (SLIS)
Fast Facts about a Phenomenal Threesome: The Gates Foundation, Indiana Libraries and IU SLIS Interns

Posted October 26, 2001