Eligible Libraries

Libraries with 10% or more of their service population in poverty, according to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation’s statistics, may apply for an Eligible Library Building Grant. This grant provides funds for the purchase of computers, printers, switches, and wiring. Some libraries may also be eligible for funds for networking equipment and charges. In addition, each library system with at least one library building qualifying for an Eligible Library Building Grant may apply for funds for a content server.

Libraries purchasing Gates Library Computers with their granted funds will receive:

• Technical Support
  The Foundation has a Technical Support Department dedicated solely to supporting libraries that purchase Gates Library Computers. As an Eligible Library Building Grant recipient you will receive one year of unlimited technical support.
• Training
  Foundation trainers will be in your state presenting classes to introduce library staff to the software and system configurations included with the Gates Library Computer and content server.
• Publications
  Each library building receiving Gates Library Computers will also receive a set of publications. The publications are specific to the Gates Library Computer and cover computer administration for library staff and application-specific and Internet information for patrons and staff.
• Software
  Gates Library Computers and content servers are pre-loaded with a rich array of software, including office, reference, and children’s titles. Selected software can be shared from the Gates Library Computer or the content server to existing public access computers that meet the minimum specifications. You must request licenses for sharing software. Near the end of your technical support period, a limited set of software titles can be upgraded.
  
  Eligible Library Building Grant recipients may also choose to purchase additional Gates Library Computers or content servers with their own funds. In addition, they may purchase one public service-desk computer. Libraries are responsible for the installation and set up of all additional hardware purchased. The purchase of the equipment and licensing of software for existing computers must occur within the implementation period in each state, which lasts approximately 3-6 months.

Purchase Option Grants

Libraries serving communities with less than 10% of their population living in poverty, according to the Foundation’s statistics, qualify for a Purchase Option Grant rather than an Eligible Library Building Grant. The Purchase Option Grant program allows libraries to use their own funds to purchase the same Gates Library Computers and content servers that are available to Eligible Library Building Grant recipients.

In order to participate in the Purchase Option Grant program, you must submit an application to the Foundation. However, submitting an application does not obligate you to purchase computers. Approximately 2 months after libraries receive their application materials, the Foundation will hold a series of Before Your Computer Arrives (BYCA) workshops in the state.

To purchase Gates Library Computers, libraries must send a representative to the BYCA workshop, as ordering information will be distributed for all Purchase Option Grant recipients at this time. Libraries will then have 10 days to indicate their intent to order Gates Library Computers.

Libraries purchasing Gates Library Computers with their own funds will receive:

• Technical Support
  The Foundation has a Technical Support Department dedicated solely to supporting libraries that purchase Gates Library Computers. As a Purchase Option Grant recipient you will receive one year of unlimited technical support.
• Training
  Foundation trainers will be in your state presenting classes to introduce library staff to the software and system configurations included with the Gates Library Computer and content server.
• Publications
  Each library building receiving Gates Library Computers will also receive a set of publications. The publications are specific to the Gates Library Computer and cover computer administration for library staff and application-specific and Internet information for patrons and staff.
• Software
  Gates Library Computers and content servers are pre-loaded with a rich array of software, including office, reference, and children’s titles. Selected software can be shared from the Gates Library Computer or the content server to existing public access computers that meet the minimum specifications. You must request licenses for sharing software. Near the end of your technical support period, a limited set of software titles can be upgraded.

Purchase Option Grant recipients may also choose to purchase one public service-desk computer.

Purchase Option Grant recipients are responsible for the installation and set up of all hardware. The purchase of the equipment and licensing of software for existing computers must occur within the implementation period in each state, which lasts approximately 3-6 months.