Ohio - Bill and Melinda Gates Opportunity Online Hardware Grant

Linux Terminal Server/Userful Desktop Purchases

2009-11-23T15:25:38Z

A library asked if they could purchase a Linux Terminal Server with their BMGF funding. This is similar to a question raised on the state intermediary website. That question was:

"I have a library that is looking into the possibility of purchasing Userful Desktop as their public computers for the grant requirements. It is a resource-sharing system which allows up to ten people to work from a single computer. Each station has a monitor, keyboard, mouse and a drive. So for example instead of buying 10 PCs we will be buying one Userful Desktop and 10 seats. Can they do that with the grant money?"

Since a Linux Terminal server is similar to Userful Desktop the answer is the same. The Foundation made the following determination:

"Yes - this is appropriate use of the funds. It is analgous to a library using the funds to install a thin client.
Thanks for checking. Also it is always great to hear about new ways libraries are thinking about delivering public access."

RE: Phase 1 Match Verification

2009-05-06T11:34:55Z

The matching fund verification form is due at the State Library no later than December 31, 2009. The State Library just submitted our official grant application to the BMGF on May 4 and we will not receive official notification of receipt of the grant until July 2009. After that we will send out letters to participating libraries outlining in more depth the match verification, etc. (the form is currently available on WebJunction Ohio as a document in this section). Since we know the ALA/FSU survey must be completed by Nov. 7 and the Advocacy training will take place before Thanksgiving, if a library has in their match verification form before then we should be able send you your check in Nov. or Dec.

Phase 1 Match Verification

2009-04-30T19:39:01Z

Is there a deadline by which the phase 1 match verification form must be submitted as part of the requirements process?

Stumper questions from the video conference

2009-04-03T18:11:37Z

There were three questions which I could not answer from the videoconference. These were:
1. Is it OK to purchase surplus parts and/or purchase pieces of computers and build your own, or do you have to go through an established vendor?

2. Because Gates talks about the whole package of support, can a library pay for the salary/fringe and travel costs of having their tech support person go to an eligible branch that has support/technical needs?

3. What about software in general? The FAQ only discusses software subscriptions as a nonallowable cost.

I received the answer today and I quote from Gates:

1) We do not have guidelines about what hardware is purchased from who. We recommend that intermediaries think about suggesting "minimum specifications." Many libraries may try to purchase the cheapest hardware. This may not be in the best interest of their community and may not last as long. Perhaps others can share what they are suggesting as "minimum specifications." (NOTE: The State Library will be posting min. specs later this spring).

2) Yes - tech support expenses may include paying for people's salary or travel to install or maintain the public access technology.

3) Software used on public access computers is acceptible (for example - productivity software). We referenced no software subscriptions in the FAQ to rule out paying for state databases. Be sure to check out TechSoup Stock for great deals on software.

RE: Laptops instead of desktops if space an issue

2009-03-23T13:35:48Z

Eric:
You are not alone in raising this issue and concern. I have heard the question from a few libraries in Ohio and I know Gates has had the question in round 1 and2 states. YES, laptops are a viable and encouraged alternative to standard workstations.
Missy

Laptops instead of desktops if space an issue

2009-03-19T13:42:34Z

We intend to raise this question at the March 30th web conf, but I was curious if anyone has heard of any other recipients dealing with similar issues.

We have a branch that has been (rightly) designated as a highly-undeserved area and as a result is eligible for possibly more computers than we feel we might physically have space for and still be ADA accessible.

Just curious if any other Opportunity grant Recipients had come up with solutions to this issue. Of course loanable laptops make sense in terms of not being permanent stations while still providing the goal of public accessible computers, but I wasn't sure how the this relates to the terms of the grant.

thanks,
-Eric

RE: Online Opportunity Grant

2008-12-03T20:04:57Z

Have you done the webinar for the TechAtlas inventory?

Online Opportunity Grant

2008-10-28T16:01:30Z

I'm really glad that the Gates Foundation is coming back through Ohio. With the latest announcements about possible reduction in funding, the timing of these grants couldn't have been better!