Guiding Ohio Online: Working With AmeriCorps to Strengthen Technology Skills in Rural Library Communities
Friday, April 8, 2016, 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Colorado Convention Center, Room 102/104/106
Rural libraries often struggle with their patrons’ lack of technology skills. With fewer staff members, these libraries are sometimes unable to devote the time needed to assist with in-depth technology-related questions. In collaboration with AmeriCorps, the State Library of Ohio created Guiding Ohio Online, a program placing AmeriCorps volunteers in rural Ohio libraries to address these very needs. Learn what it took for us to apply for, oversee, and participate in this unique collaborative program.
At the end of this session, participants will:
1: Know about grant opportunities for libraries involving AmeriCorps. 2: Have insight into how the Ohio program could be adapted for other states. 3: Know the ins-and-outs of working with a federal program, and the level of project management that entails.
The session organizer(s) identified this session as appropriate for:
Level 1: People with no previous knowledge of the topic.
This session will have: Low interaction: single speaker/panel with Q&A at the end of the program
Track: Collaborate
Tags: Staffing, Administration and Management, Human Resources, Personnel and Staffing, Technology, Training
Presenters
Evan Struble, Library Consultant
State Library of Ohio, Columbus, OH
Evan T. Struble is a library consultant for the Library Programs and Development Department of the State Library of Ohio. Additionally, he continues to work part-time for the Upper Arlington Public Library. Evan has previously worked for the library membership organization OHIONET, and the Westerville Public Library. In addition to serving on various committees within the Ohio Library Council, Evan also volunteers his time with the Ohio History Connection.
Mandy Knapp, Library Consultant
State Library of Ohio, Columbus, OH
Mandy Knapp is a library consultant for the State Library of Ohio. She serves as project manager for the Ohio Digital Library, an 85+ library e-book consortium, and Guiding Ohio Online, a program designed to help every Ohioan to strengthen digital literacy skills. In 2010, Mandy was named a Mover & Shaker by Library Journal for her work on SaveOhioLibraries.com, a grassroots campaign to save state funding for Ohio libraries.