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Plan NOW for Institutional Internet Access

NLM has offered Connections Grants in conjunction with an ongoing National Science Foundation program. Awards have been $30,000 for single institutions and $50,000 for multi-institution projects. Our RML Director, Dr. Sherrilynne Fuller, has been on the review panel for the grants. In the past two years we have received many inquiries from regional librarians interested in this program. However, few have submitted applications and only two proposals from our area have been funded. We do not know what shape this or other funding programs may take in the future, but we are certain that opportunities for support will continue. By planning now, you will be better prepared to respond when an announcement is made. These strategies can be steps in an institutional needs assessment regardless of your state of technical sophistication. The keys are understanding your unique situation, experience with Internet tools and resources, and planning.

Conduct an institutional assessment (Internet preparedness).

• What hardware, software, networks are already in place or planned?

• Who knows the computer capabilities and contractual limitations?

• Who makes these decisions?

• Who has Internet connections now?

• Who could benefit from connections? Inventory clinical, research, educational interests.

Develop your Internet skills.

• Practice, explore, navigate.

• Participate, read, ask.

• Keep track of limitations of your current connection.

• Conduct demonstrations, training sessions.

• Increase visibility, publicize. (Invite yourself to committee meetings. Meet/brainstorm with every information-based department. Forward unsolicited FYIs to influential individuals.)

Develop a plan for full connection.

• Assess institutional commitment to support ongoing connection.

• Evaluate onsite resources which could support installation, operation, and maintenance of connection.

• Investigate service provider options.

• Develop a training plan. (Detail who will train staff. What materials will be used.)

• Determine evaluation parameters. (How will you assess impact? Monitor use. Document critical incidents. Analyze costs and cost-savings.)

Above all, be realistic. You are the best judge of the politics and resources in your situation. Talk to others who have been through the connection process. Begin the process now so you will be ready to submit a proposal whenever an opportunity arises. Our office is familiar with these grants; feel free to call me for advice or examples.