Session Abstract

In this session a panel of library professionals will participate by videoconference to present an overview of their experiences incorporating broadband applications among the services offered in their libraries. Panelists will discuss proven and promising practices for expanding community engagement to help infuse meaningful next-generation technologies into the communities they serve. Cindi Hickey, Director of Library Development for the State Library of Kansas will discuss a pilot program launched in partnership with the Kan-ed network in Kansas to enhance meeting room services in libraries with HD videoconferencing equipment and activities. The program has expanded availability, accessibility, and collaboration capacities for community anchor institutions beyond the public library hosting the video services site. Don Means, Co-Founder and Principal with Digital Village, joined by Carol Levers, Director of the Kansas City, Kansas Public Library, will participate in this panel session by videoconference from Kansas City, Kansas, where leaders are working to prepare their respective community anchor institutions for the advanced capacities offered by the Google Fiber project. The panel will also offer insights and perspective on the K-20 Librarian and the potential of the Internet2 K-20 Initiative for working with the library community to develop deeper trans-institutional cooperation and working relationships among librarians and their peers across the field of community anchor institutions.