GAIN Blurb (fwd)

[Mike Eisenberg <mike@ERICIR.SYR.EDU>]

THIS IS GOOD STUFF!!!!

Impact of the Net on libraries and schools....

Available for purchase, ftp, gopher...




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THE NYSERNet PROJECT GAIN REPORT:
Connecting Rural Public Libraries to the Internet

A Project Report by Charles R. McClure, Waldo C. Babcock,
Karen A. Nelson, Jean Armour Polly, Stephen R. Kankus
February 15, 1994

What happens when an Internet connection
and a rural public library join forces?
-- MAGIC!

NYSERNet is pleased to announce the availability of information
on Project GAIN,  which extended Internet access and training to
five rural New York State public libraries and one Indian nation
school. The study began in December 1992 and the evaluation
phase has just ended a year later.

Project GAIN (Global Access Information Network) studied the
concept that if rural librarians were given the tools and training
to use networked information resources, they could do so
effectively and thereby improve the quality of service they offered
their patrons. Project GAIN demonstrates the effectiveness of
linking rural communities, typically without access to networked
electronic information, to a rich and extensive global information
environment, the Internet.

The Project GAIN Report describes a number of findings
documenting the  impacts of such connectivity on the library, the
librarians, the local community, and the Internet community.  The
report also provides evaluation information that should be helpful
for other public libraries considering opening a branch in
Cyberspace.  It outlines the lessons learned from connecting and
providing networked-based services; details critical success factors
contributing to the overall accomplishments of the project; and
offers a number of recommendations for public librarians, network
service providers, policymakers, and researchers to enhance the
role of public libraries in the networked environment. Appendices
include evaluation instruments, contracts, success stories, and
more.

Individuals may access an electronic version of this report that
includes the  text of the report without figures and appendices
through FTP or the gopher at NYSERNet, for any free educational
purpose. Commercial use requires permission of NYSERNet.

For FTP, FTP to nysernet.org, login as
"anonymous," give your email address as password,
Directory:
pub/gain/final_report.

If you have gopher client software, point it at
nysernet.org, port 70.  The final report can be found in "Special
Collections:
Libraries/NYSERNet Project GAIN Rural Libraries/Project GAIN
Final Report."

Attractive, two-color copies may be ordered from NYSERNet as
noted below.

NYSERNet thanks the J.M. Kaplan Foundation, the Apple Library
of Tomorrow program (a project of the Apple Library at Apple
Computer Cupertino, CA), OCLC, Addison-Wesley, O'Reilly and
Associates, and U.S. Robotics for making this study possible.
------------------>   PROJECT GAIN REPORT ORDER FORM    <-------------------

Please send me the Project GAIN Report @ $10.00 per copy.

Number of copies ordered:

Send the order to:

NAME:

INSTITUTION:

ADDRESS:

CITY:

STATE:

ZIP:

PHONE (include area code):

EMAIL ADDRESS:

TOTAL ENCLOSED   $


Pre-payment required. Price includes shipping and handling in the US.
Make check or money order payable to NYSERNet, Inc.

Mail to:

NYSERNet
200 Elwood Davis Rd., Suite 103
Liverpool, NY 13088-6147

Phone orders will be accepted with credit card purchase.  Orders of more
than 10 copies may be eligible for price discount.  Call 315/453-2912, x221, or
send email to info@nysernet.org.

==========================



Jean Armour Polly                       jpolly@nysernet.org
Director of User Services             co-moderator PUBLIB,
NYSERNet, Inc.                            the public library list.
200 Elwood Davis Rd.                  and PUBLIB-NET, Internetworking
Suite 103                                         for public librarians.
Liverpool, NY 13088-6147
315/453-2912 ext 224  FAX 315 453-3052
....  Laboring in the vineyards along the Infobahn...