Summit Report

Below is a link to the discussion transcription from the Arkansas Opportunity Online Broadband Summit. The transcription include two days worth of discussions.

Day 1: Challenges
The table discussion considered the challenges that libraries are currently facing regarding connectivity. Maureen Sullivan facilitated the discussion and challenged participants to consider the following components of connectivity in their community:

• Need – How will high-speed Internet be used in your library? What bandwidth heavy applications, do your patrons currently use or hope to use in the future?
• Availability – What options for increased speed are in your community? How many providers do you have in your area?
• Cost – How will your library pay for the increased cost of the connectivity? Will you need to invest in any extra equipment?
• Capacity – With improved connectivity, usage will naturally increase. Do you have the staff capacity to support patron needs? Do you have enough staff and building space for your patrons?

Day 2: Solutions
The facilitated discussion lead by Maureen Sullivan and built on the challenges discussed in the prior day. The Day Two table talk focused on the solutions that libraries are currently implementing regarding connectivity. The discussion developed and vetted realistic solutions for our libraries and what solutions will mean a new perspective by libraries. Participants were also asked to consider:

• Funding – How will public libraries secure funding for improved connectivity, currently and in the future? Should the funding solutions be on a local level, statewide level or both
• Support – How can you meet the support demands of your patrons? Would volunteers be solution for your human resource demands?

Link to Arkansas Facilitated Discussion