Zoom Meetup Recording & Notes
May 5, 2021
Notes from the call
Guest visit from Scott Leslie and Stephen Forrest from the BC Libraries Cooperative
They released the interim report on the Connectivity work they have been doing: https://digiprojects.libraries.coop/2021/05/04/announcing-changes-to-connectivity-funds-and-interim-report/
They’re making pivots on using left over funds. They’ve removed the cap. Asking for people to submit applications for funds by June 1st, they’ll adjudicate to divy out the remaining funds as fairly as possible. Initially targeting hardware improvements but now expanded to include the actual services from IT consultants to implement these things. Willing also to look at network delivered services like firewalls. They’ve expanded the terms of projects they’ll accept, so really encourage you to apply.
Other changes are related to Stephen Forrest, consultant. He’s still available for 1:1 consulting for libraries. Invite people to apply, very straight forward: https://digiprojects.libraries.coop/connectivity/connectivity-consultant/ They’ve had 13 libraries apply and 11 of them engage. Feedback has been resoundingly positive.
Re: Lendable connectivity. They formed a working group that Stephen is leading, representatives from 8 libraries both in urban and rural locations. Idea is that internet connectivity can be lent out as a resource. Will be working on this with working group over next 2-3 months. Aiming to have report and model framework for the fall, for everyone to review.
Re: Lack of IT support in rural areas. Recognize that small libraries are having trouble accessing IT people who can support this work. They’ve asked Stephen to look at how we could improve access to this kind of support for small, rural libraries.
Stephen has connections at telco companies and has made good progress with Telus and Shaw, who have both identified leads to work with libraries. At some point in future, they’ll be able to share more details about this. If you have an existing great relationship with a telco, continue with that. But for those who don’t, this will hopefully be helpful. They’re finally getting some price transparency, which is new.
Also good forays into government branch who funds large connectivity projects. Aim is to get libraries as a stakeholder in this conversation. This government is recognizing that connectivity can’t just be profit driven, it’s about accessibility.
To contact Stephen directly: 250-731-6375 stephen@strobeonline.ca
(34:00). Guest visit from Mari Martin, Public Libraries Branch
Allan from the Branch works closely with the Coop on this project.
Annual report deadline coming up. Let them know if your annual report is running behind, good for them to know ahead of time.
Tara Faganello, ADM, met with ABCPLD a few weeks ago, and then met with the Partners the next day. The Premier and Minister Osbourne both spoke earlier this week at the BCLA conference.
Elizabeth, Whistler - Whistler is dealing with a major cyber attack for the last 10 days. They have no access to email and there’s no internet in the library.
(58:00). Re: DVD access. Halifax legal opinion. There’s no substance to library having to remove DVDs from shelves. So libraries are ok to continue having these materials on their shelves. Issue is between Blue Ice and the other suppliers. Susan is asking Halifax if they are willing to share their legal language with the ABCPLD email list.
No updates on mandatory vaccines for staff. Related article: https://www.squamishchief.com/coronavirus-covid-19-local-news/can-employers-force-employees-back-to-the-office-can-bosses-ask-if-you-got-a-vaccine-3745745
Karen, Salt Spring shared how today is a day to recognize the murdered and missing indigenous women. In recognition of that, they are wearing red and hung 2 red dresses made by local indigenous artisans outside their library.