Read full details here: http://www.giglibraries.net/Beyond-the-Walls

Beyond the Walls" Awards: 2nd Round Now Open: Due March 27

Welcome late comers! You now have two short weeks to catch up. 

And thanks to all who have submitted proposals in the 1st round. You are encouraged to get more specific about your plans. Where will the remote units be sited and who will be served at each new hotspot?

Your prior submissions are now open for modification and improvement.

After we review the updated (and new) more location-specific proposals, we will invite the most promising ones to contact vendors for price quotes and plan feasibility.

There have been some very strong proposals already, but the door remains open. For two more weeks.

Please be sure describe how each remote location is expected to be used, by whom and when. Include any disadvantaged populations (low-income, low-education, disabled, immigrants, etc). 

"Successful proposals will:

• Support access and inclusion to underserved populations.  
• Show creativity in thinking of new ways and locations to install remote library WiFi access points.
• Form key collaborations among community stakeholders such as schools, museums, health clinics, community centers, post offices, shelters, or who?!  
• Demonstrate commitment to the project from proposal partners and supporters as well as to the overall learning and knowledge base we’ll be creating together.  
• Integrate TVWS in to disaster preparedness planning.

Winning proposals will be announced next month in April. Sub-awards distributed upon final acceptance of a project budget. All projects should be installed and operational by September. Use those summer months!

Best Regards,

Beyond the Walls Team 

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Tens of millions of people in the U.S. rely solely or in part on public libraries to access Internet. Libraries are crucial in connecting communities. With TV WhiteSpace technology people can connect beyond library walls. The “Beyond The Walls” Awards will provide five $15,000 grants to libraries for the most innovative proposals to use TV WhiteSpace (TVWS) technologies to enable new library hotspots in the service of their communities.

TVWS uses the unused spectrum in the TV bands. It can deliver broadband to a hotspot miles away, even passing through trees, buildings or other obstructions. Installing TVWS hotspots can improve your community’s resilience by adding another communication capability for disaster preparedness.

Are you a library interested in applying? Watch this 2 minute prelimanary checklist video to see if your library qualifies.

The first round of applications will be considered on a rolling basis with March 27 as the first round cutoff. If your library meets the necessary criteria, we will work with you to put together a project plan. Winners will be announced at the end of April 2017. 

Shannon White
Director of Statewide Library Services
Library of Michigan

702 W. Kalamazoo

Lansing, MI 48909

www.michigan.gov/libraryofmichigan

517.373.9489

Whites29@michigan.gov