ARIZONA TO AFRICA -Changes and challenges just keep coming. The country and wider world are still very much in active urgent pandemic response mode. Web sites being redesigned. Services being altered to fit the new reality. Staff furloughs abound. Budget axes hanging like swords of Damocles. Yet libraries are stepping up! Reinventing on the fly. Making do and trying to meet new patron needs within the tight boundaries permitted by our novel virus overlord.

Stories abound spotlighting the dire situation of anyone that lacks internet access today. As we’ve been advocating for past month, the first simplest action for libraries is to open their access points(AP’s) 24/7, orient toward outside and seek to boost signals. See this amazing list from Canada.

We’ll explore prospects for new “IMLS Announces New Stimulus Funding” on new $30 million pool to move through state library agencies. Details imminent. In a word, Be Ready!

People need access desperately. Public access stations, library kiosks, bookmobiles or any type of no fee hotspot need to be installed ASAP and promoted to communities.

One such effort at state levels is happening through publication of hotspot maps. This Friday we’ll hear from Nicole Umayam, Digital Inclusion Library Consultant, Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records discuss how “some libraries expanding their networks with additional APs etc. And that the library is “moving forward with a couple libraries as proof of concept as well as statewide data collection to identify potential locations.” AZ along with other states (AR, GA) has created a state map of AP’s. (screen capture attached)

Our other TWO featured speakers from Africa will be Nkem Osuigwe, who is responsible for human capacity development & training at African Library and Information Associations & Institutions or AfLIA, and…

Hayford Siaw, the acting Executive Director of Ghana Library Authority. that supervises a network of over 60 public libraries across Ghana and has founded and successfully developed Street Library project that was bringing mobile libraries to rural communities, addressing literacy and education issues in Ghana and 3 other African countries.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/what-is-a-library-if-the-building-is-closed-zoom-on-fridays-tickets-102477011500 Register now. See you there!

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