High-Speed Internet Available to All Mississippi Public Libraries

Ethel Dunn

Executive Support Director

The Mississippi Library Commission (MLC) is pleased to announce that because Contract 5000 has officially been awarded to CSpire and signed by the Department of Information Technology Services (ITS), fiber internet will be available to every library in the state of Mississippi within an 18-month implementation time frame. 

 

Computer usage at Corinth Public Library in Corinth, MS

 

The change offers all public libraries in the state higher internet speeds at lower prices. Jennifer Peacock, Administrative Services Bureau Director, stated, “It is exciting to know that Mississippi will finally have high internet speeds, even in the most rural areas of the state. This will allow libraries to better serve their patrons and offer more programs to the communities they serve.” 

 

Computer usage at the Union County Public Library in New Albany, MS

In preparation for the switch, MLC staff and other state agency representatives meet each week to organize and plan the implementation. MLC is reaching out to all library systems to help prepare for the migration. When the project is complete, public libraries should see a significant decrease in cost and increase in bandwidth speeds to a minimum of 100Mbps. 

 

Computer usage at the Bay St. Louis Public Library in Bay St. Louis, MS

Currently, some libraries have slow internet speeds equivalent to dialup, which is challenging to their patrons. Sidney Cobb, Director at the Humphreys County Library System, said, “Many of our patrons do not have access to high-speed internet and WiFi other than in our library, and the increased speed of Contract 5000 will help us in our mission of digital inclusion. Some benefits from enhanced digital inclusion are improved education and employment possibilities, improved health and well-being, and networking with other resources.” 

 

Computer usage at the Dorothy J. Lowe Memorial Library in Nettleton, MS

 
The Mississippi Library Commission supports innovative programs and initiatives to strengthen and enhance library services for all Mississippians. The agency is funded by the Mississippi Legislature, with additional funding provided through the Institute of Museum and Library Services under provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA). MLC offers leadership in library services, advocacy, and training for library professionals and paraprofessionals. 

 

Computer usage at Greenville Public Library in Greenville, MS

Meet MLC Monday: Wesley Von Hoene

Meet Wesley Von Hoene, who began working at the Mississippi Library Commission as a Systems Administrator last August. He helps with the maintenance and upkeep of computers and software. He is also assisting Mississippi public libraries with Office 365 migrations. Wesley holds associate degrees in Computer Networking and Cyber Security, as well as certifications in Comp TIA/TestOut's A+, Network+, and Security+. He is currently working on his CCNA.

Wesley likes working at MLC because of the opportunities to learn and expand. He enjoys problem solving and enlightening analytical questions and adds, "I really enjoy the atmosphere at MLC and the people I work with are some of the finest people I’ve had the privilege of meeting."

Wesley says,  "I like libraries because, starting thousands of years ago, they began serving as storehouses of our history. If it weren’t for libraries, a lot of information would have been lost. Libraries are a way for people to pool all their information together and create a valuable wealth of knowledge for everyone."

Wesley was an avid reader when he was in college. The Harry Potter series is his favorite set of books. He also enjoys watching sports, deep sea fishing, video games, and movies. He quips, "It is fascinating seeing how far Elon Musk has brought space travel through SpaceX."

Prepare To Be AWEd At Laurel-Jones County Library

The Early Literacy and After School Edge Learning Project, funded by a Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) grant, has allowed the library to provide the children of Jones County with state-of-the-art literacy based computers. The Laurel-Jones County Library was able to purchase three AWE Early Literacy Stations that are geared toward children ages 2-8. These computers teach colors, shapes, letters, and numbers, as well as early literacy skills, hand-eye coordination, and basic computer skills. The library also purchased three Afterschool Edge Stations for older students ages 6-12. The Afterschool Edge Stations are pre-loaded with 50-plus top-rated educational software programs that reinforce and enhance the skills that children are currently being taught in school. Programming on these stations consists of reading skills and comprehension, science, history, math, etc... Both parents and children are thrilled with the newest additions to the children's department.

Ocean Springs Library Gets Tech for Teens

The Ocean Springs Public Library, a branch of the Jackson-George Regional Library System, was the recipient of a Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) grant that enabled the funding of a Teen Technology Center. This center, which features a series of new laptop computers in a teen-friendly, appealing environment, has seen much use and enthusiasm with the local youth library customers. This library serves one of the largest school districts in Mississippi, yet until this grant was funded, teen library users had to share computers with the adult library users, making for a long wait for a computer. Certainly, the quick access to these computers has increased access and usage, and made the teens very happy in the process!

Commission Announces Launch of New Computer Program

The Mississippi Library Commission (MLC), in partnership with the Mississippi Broadband Connect Coalition (MBCC), announces the launching of a new program called Computers for Libraries. The program consists of the coordinating of the donation of gently used computers meeting minimum specifications to public libraries by state agencies, businesses, and individuals. Public libraries will use the computers to meet the growing needs of local residents for access to technology and the Internet for educational, recreational, and informational purposes.

Currently, more than two million people use computers in public libraries for job searches, completing job applications, job and skills training, computer classes and other Internet uses.

How It Works

• State agencies and businesses register for an account to list equipment for donation on database. Donating entities are strongly encouraged to adhere to internal policies/ procedures for disposal of property.
• Mississippi public libraries register for an account and log in to database to browse and request available donated equipment. Equipment requests are on a first come, first serve basis.

www.computersforlibraries.lib.ms.us

Minimum Specifications for Donated Equipment

• 1 GB Memory
• 80 GB Hard Drive
•  All power cords and cables
• Hard drive installed and cleaned
• Network interface card and/or Wi-Fi card installed
• Windows XP; or
  Windows Vista; or
  Windows 7

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Personal_Computer_774.JPG