December 9, 2010 · 
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OSL is pleased to announce that it has issued a Request For Proposals for an Organizational Consulting Project. Please follow the link below to see the RFP and other information regarding our study. The deadline to submit a proposal is Monday, December 20th by 4:00pm.
December 6, 2010 · Print
Part-Time BTOP Grant Trainer (2 trainers will be hired)
SUMMARY:
Through in-depth knowledge of the OSL network and its services, this person works with the Executive Director and Assistant Director to assure that OSL members obtain the fullest possible benefits from their use of OSL’s network and services. This professional position has responsibility for training of OSL members in all aspects of OSL supported functions.
SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:
Learns how to use and teaches how to use OSL’s consortium resources including all EBSCO databases and downloadable technologies. Learns how to use and teaches how to use all AskRI resources including Mango Languages, Learning Express, Tutor.com and Reference USA. Learns and teaches core competencies in Millennium, OSL’s ILS system and particularly learns the public interfaces with Millennium. (including the Classic Catalog, Encore, Patron Registration, Program Registration, Ecommerce). Learns how to record, archive and podcast training sessions and how to use videoconferencing technology to make training sessions available to other libraries in a web-based format. Provides user training on specifics of system software as needed, e.g., for new OSL members, new staff, and new functions, as well as refresher courses as needed. Creates training guides in both print and online formats. Supports OSL member use of the system. Consults with users in problem solving and operational improvements. Will be available on a scheduled basis to assist individual libraries with their training programs. Other tasks as required.
ORGANIZATION: Reports to the Executive Director.
QUALIFICATIONS: Must be fluent in at least Spanish, Portuguese or Italian. Bachelor’s degree required, some teaching experience preferred. Professional library experience including broad knowledge of public and library network automation preferred. Excellent verbal and written communications skills including demonstrated presentation/training skills required. Must be able to work with diverse groups. Valid Rhode Island driver’s license and properly registered and insured motor vehicle required. Must be willing to travel throughout Rhode Island as needed.
Part-time Salary: $25,000.
This will be a part-time position, 19.0 hours per week; no benefits are available. This position is grant-funded and will run for two years. Hours may vary week to week and some evenings and weekends may be required.
Please apply online by sending résumé and letter of application to:
Human Resources: hr@oslri.net
Web site: www.oslri.org
No phone calls, please.
Responses received by 12/21/10 will receive priority consideration. Positions will remain open until filled.
Ocean State Libraries is fully committed to Equal Employment Opportunity and to attracting, retaining, developing and promoting the most qualified employees without regard to their race, gender, color, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, or any other characteristic prohibited by state or local law.
October 27, 2010 · Print
Ocean State Libraries (OSL) is proud to be the recipient of two federal Broadband stimulus grants awarded by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). The grants include $1.6 million in funds to provide 600+ computers/printers and 10 mobile computer centers for public libraries at over 70 locations throughout the state – covering virtually every public library in Rhode Island.
The following libraries have been awarded mobile computer centers consisting of 10 laptops and video recording equipment: Cranston Public Library, Greenville Public Library, East Providence Public Library, Pawtucket Public Library, Providence Community Library, Westerly Public Library and Woonsocket Harris Public Library. Four other libraries: North Kingstown Free Library, North Scituate Public Library, East Greenwich Free Library and Providence Public Library have been awarded mobile computer centers with 5 laptops and video recording equipment. The video equipment will allow programs held using the mobile computer centers to be recorded for later viewing, converted to podcasts or video conference live to other locations around the state. Representatives from each community attended the event to accept the grant.
The event was part of the Broadband Get Connected Tour and was held on Monday, October 25 at the Cranston Public Library located at 140 Sockanosset Cross Road. The event also featured speakers from OSHEAN and RIEDC presenting information on the federal broadband stimulus grants received by those organizations and how these agencies are working with Ocean State Libraries to maximize broadband resources in Rhode Island.
About OSL:
Ocean State Libraries, Inc. is a consortium of all the public libraries in Rhode Island. Through a shared telecommunications network, shared integrated library system, group purchasing and a shared catalog, OSL members are able to share their collections so that any library user in Rhode Island gets access to materials owned at any other OSL library, and the materials are shipped for pick up at any library location the patron specifies. OSL is a wonderful example of less becoming more through collaboration and cooperation.
October 5, 2010 · Print
Test your Internet Connection Speed.
Broadband Rhode Island (BBRI) is working on a survey of the quality and speed of Internet connections in Rhode Island homes, businesses and schools. If you want to see how fast your connection is, and at the same time help BBRI with this project, click on the image or the link below.
October 5, 2010 · Print
New Funds Launch Next Phase to Bolster Statewide Broadband Adoption Rate
The Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation (RIEDC) today announced that its Broadband Rhode Island initiative (BBRI) has received additional federal funding that will help strengthen digital literacy and increase broadband usage across the state.
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), through the U.S. Department of Commerce, awarded BBRI a total of $4.52 million from the State Broadband Data and Development (SBDD) grant program, funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The supplementary $3.02 million is in addition to $1.5 million BBRI received in December 2009 for the five-year project.
“The increased investment demonstrates the NTIA’s confidence in the BBRI program and Rhode Island’s efforts to leverage broadband technology to compete in the global economy,” said Keith Stokes, RIEDC Executive Director. “High-speed Internet access is an economic development necessity. This is a unique opportunity for Rhode Island to support the national agenda to increase broadband access and adoption to improve our citizens’ access to job opportunities and quality of life in the 21st century.”
As part of a nationwide effort to create a massive database and broadband map for all 50 states, BBRI is capturing and compiling data regarding broadband coverage and usage throughout the Ocean State. The speed test, located on the program website broadband.ri.gov, helps verify Internet speed and areas of coverage throughout the state and is an opportunity for the public to directly participate in the data gathering process which will be used to enhance broadband infrastructure and usage across the country.
“We can’t live without the Internet today — it touches all aspects of our lives. This grant is important because for the first time, we can evaluate this vitally important resource from a statewide perspective,” said Stuart Freiman, BBRI Program Manager. “We will use the information we collect to help guide us in setting statewide goals and priorities and along with our partners, we will work towards closing the ‘Digital Divide’ and help give our citizens better access to jobs and connections to healthcare, safety, government, education and community – all contributing to a healthier economy.”
“Congratulations to the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation as they continue to be a strong leader for the advancement of business and business products,” stated Dave Smith, Executive Director of RI Emergency Management Agency. “The RI Emergency Management Agency and FEMA Region 1 have worked closely with RIEDC and Chambers of Commerce to strengthen preparedness with innovative training, software, and best practices developed because of recent disasters. This grant will enable our work to continue in the effort to provide infrastructure support and the latest technological advancements all leading to a safer and stronger Rhode Island.”
Funds from the grant will be used to enhance the program website, which includes a new Digital Atlas that will display coverage and data for the entire state, allow for bi-yearly updates to the broadband data, support programs to increase public awareness and education and develop plans to increase broadband adoption rates and usage in all aspects of our lives.
“Getting online is no longer a luxury, it’s how we talk to our friends and family, find a job, renew a license and learn a new skill,” said Howard Boksenbaum, MLIS Chief Library Officer for the State of Rhode Island. “If you have trouble getting online; if you don’t have a computer, can’t afford a subscription, need a social context or a little instruction; it’s at your library you’ll find it. The digital literacy grant will make our libraries better able to provide that help and help them let people know the library is where to go.”
In addition, as part of the grant’s state capacity building provisions, BBRI plans to hire additional staff to implement the initiative. Using ARRA calculations, the project will support from 5 to 10 new jobs over the life of the grant.
“At a time when companies require on-line applications, resumes are needed by so many, and e-mail and social media use are common, it is critical that citizens stay on top of the digital curve. Ocean State Libraries is pleased to be included in this powerful grant aimed at increasing in-state digital literacy. Libraries have been doing this training for years and the new grant will expand our capacity to offer much needed support to our citizens. ” said Joan Gillespie, Executive Director, Ocean State Libraries, Inc.
“Better access to internet and broadband technology will allow businesses located in traditional disadvantaged urban communities to strengthen their core competencies, grow their businesses and compete on a regional, national and global scale,” said Victor Barros, Urban Development Programs Manager at the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation.”
About Broadband Rhode Island:
Broadband Rhode Island, an initiative of Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation (RIEDC), is funded through December 2014 by the State Broadband Data and Development Grant Program (SBBD) as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA). The initiative will focus on broadband mapping and broadband planning in the State of Rhode Island. Programs will address public awareness and education about broadband and study and develop plans to increase adoption rate and broadband usage across all aspects of our lives including in our homes, schools, businesses, libraries, healthcare facilities, public safety and government.
To learn more about Broadband Rhode Island please visit: http://broadband.ri.gov