Dave and others,
We have utilized Microsoft products for many years for our public computers. However, the donated products are not eligible for use by staff-only computers. As such, I do not think that libraries would benefit as much from the Office 365 for Nonprofits product. It is definitely a possibility for the future for our staff – however, it would have to be licensed through the academic sales rather than the Office 365 for NonProfits.
Here is the applicable paragraph from their eligibility requirements:
Public libraries may qualify as eligible without charitable status only for on-premises software donations and only where such software is made accessible to the general public. Public libraries are the only organizations that are eligible for on-premises software donations from Microsoft without obtaining charitable status. Microsoft has made a corporate commitment to support public/shared access computing in public libraries, regardless of whether they have obtained charitable status. Please visit the Microsoft Volume Licensing website for more information about licensing programs for public library operations.
I trust this is helpful as you look toward the future.
Ray Arnett
Raymond J. Arnett Jr.
Director
Fremont Area District Library
104 East Main Street
Fremont, MI 49412
(231) 924-3480
From: michlib-l-bounces@mail.mcls.org [mailto:michlib-l-bounces@mail.mcls.org] On Behalf Of Dave Ewick
Sent: Monday, December 16, 2013 11:55 AM
To: Michlib-L
Subject: [Michlib-l] Office 365
Is anyone using Microsoft Office 365 for Non-Profits? We have been approached by a patron who is a PMP with Microsoft and is promoting it as a way to reduce our tech costs. Here's a link to an article from Techsoup on Office 365 for Non-Profits:
I'm curious as to what others know about this. I plan to attend an event this Friday morning and thought I'd gather ideas and/or questions from this group to take with me, so please share!
Thanks,
Dave
David L. Ewick
City Librarian
Southfield Public Library
26300 Evergreen
Southfield, Michigan 48076
248 796-4300
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