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PAST NEWS ARCHIVE
October 4, 2001
Contact: Patricia Fraga, Austin Public Library, (512) 974-7528
Fax: (512) 974-7442

Texas Agency Awards $705,227 for Technology to Austin Public Library

Joe Faulk (left) and Diane Palan (right) from the Austin Public Library accept check from Sam Tessen (center), Executive Director of the Telecommunications Infrastructure Fund Board.

On September 27, 2001, Austin Public Library received approval from the Austin City Council to accept a $705,227 grant from the Telecommunications Infrastructure Fund (TIF) Board, a state agency in Austin, Texas. TIF has awarded non-competitive grants for approximately $7 million to 118 public libraries and branches to expand their current telecommunications infrastructure for greater public access to modern technology.

The Austin Public Library will use the TIF funding to purchase hardware and software that will enhance the Library system's public Internet workstations, and will provide distance learning capabilities at five Library locations. Equipment such as network printers, laptop computers, video streaming capability, and new computers at all 21 locations of the Library system will be also be included. The Library is committed to assisting its customers in this information era, adding the necessary equipment and some training opportunities so that the public will have access to the most information available with the mere click of a button. Along with its current resources, Austin Public Library can provide a place for more citizens to look for jobs in the community, to check e-mail, and to research various topics of interest from over 100 searchable databases.

"The Library is in a unique position to bridge the digital divide. APL is taking advantage of every opportunity to make information available to Austin families, including providing workstations and Internet connectivity," says Brenda Branch, Library Director. "APL's mission is to provide lifelong learning opportunities and as much information and education as possible. This grant money will assist us in serving our customers through providing more modern technology," says Joe Faulk, Information Technology Manager.

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