Audience to pose questions. Here we go with our panel number one. We are looking at the vision. We will explore innovative practices and partnerships. Our first speaker will be the Senior Program officer at the bill and Melinda Gates foundation. Hoping to have leon mac, director of el paso Public Library. Unfortunately she had a family emergency and was not able to the year. We are excited to have clarence anthony, executive director of the National League of cities. We will start out with her. Well, thank you, director. The national museum, Library Services for holding this hearing. I appreciate the opportunity to talk about the experience that the bill and ellen Gates Foundation has had with in china access to technology through Public Libraries and our vision of our libraries can drive personal and Community Development. Today the foundation is composed of many programs and initiatives. Helping farmers in africa strengthen their crops, improving the educational system in the United
I am proud to say theres no cable tv. That is a very difficult thing. Christie the first part of your question. How will that help the libraries that are the furthest behind . They are definitely focused on those libraries and there would be a way to determine. That way hasnt been figured out yet but there would be a way to determine which libraries desperately need to begin a Pilot Project to get that connectivity. Okay we want to keep our efforts here on time. We have a couple of other questions. There was one question are there any studies or experiencexperienc s of the low. Versus highspeed libraries in terms of Service Quality and for i. D. . I think one of the challenges you know as we as she said linda salbi said that none of not everyone has said it. We all know for the most part its really bad out there and we have to get connectivity better but i think the real challenge is do we really understand and can we imagine what it would be like with better connectivity and even if w
20th Century Technology to 21st century highspeed Broadband Technology. Its a reallocation of resourcef resources are never easy and never pleasant but they are essential if we are to keep pushing forward. We are moving to broadband to the person at the library. Its not just an external connection but its how do you get using wifi to the individual in a library . We are bringing the application and administrative process into the 21st century as well by using the same kind of ride band tools and we are focusing on fiscal responsibility. The key is not just more money although if more money is warranted we will deal with that but the key is money well spent by encouraging consortia, by creating longer support. So you can have longer contracts with lower rates and by establishing a system of reference phrasing so people know what is a fair price . We dont expect librarians to be Telecom Experts and able to go out there and haggle with Telecom Companies so how do we help in that regard .