WebJunction

"WebJunction.org: where minds meet to support public access computing", Loriene Roy; Beth Hallmark; Amanda Traviss - The Electronic Library (2004, Vol.22, No.4, pp.314-316) (c) Emerald Group Publishing Limited http://www.emeraldinsight.com/el.htm

Hosted with permission from Emerald Group Publishing Limited. All rights reserved.

During his February presentation at the 2004 Public Libraries Association (US) national conference, Bill Gates Sr. announced the release of a new report, "Toward Equality of Access: The Role of Public Libraries in Addressing the Digital Divide," describing the impact of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation's $250 million U.S. Library Program. [1] Prior to the onset of the U.S. Library Program in 1997, only about one-fourth (28 percent) of U.S. public libraries offered public access to computing. Now, after the installation of 46,000 computer stations in 11,000 public library service locations in the United States and Canada [2], the public can access computers at 95 percent of U.S. public libraries. [3]

As the completion of the five-year U.S. Library Program neared, it was clear that the need for continued training and technical support remained. The answer came when the next phase of Gates support for computers in libraries was launched at the U.S. Library of Congress on May 12, 2003 in the form of a large Web portal called WebJunction (WebJunction.org). This guest commentary describes the current version of WebJunction and highlights upcoming services.

WebJunction.org is best described as an online community. It not only provides content in the form of feature articles, monthly newsletters, assessment tools, and online courses, but also provides opportunities for those involved in public access computing to communicate with each other and share success stories, best practices and solutions. OCLC is coordinating the development of WebJunction.org with three years of funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Ms. Marilyn Mason, former Director of the Cleveland (Ohio) Public Library, is the Principal Investigator for the project. She is assisted by a team of partners including staff at OCLC, Isoph, Tech-Soup, the Benton Foundation, and the Colorado State Library. In addition, the project has an Advisory Board whose members represent state libraries, public libraries serving a variety of communities, educators, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Content on WebJunction.org is currently organized under six major areas: Policies and Practices, Technology Resources, Buying Guide, Services to Libraries, the Learning Center, and the Community Center.

Under Policies and Practices, librarians can find advice on such topics as gift acceptance policy and guidance with determining appropriate patron use of the Internet. Technology Resources content covers security, networking, accessibility, and basic Internet topics (such as e-mail, search engines, and Web site development). Information on hardware, software, and computer support is available here as well. The Buying Guide includes links to product reviews in addition to information on funding resources, discounts, donations, and purchasing tips. Specific content for Canadian, tribal, rural, and small libraries as well as children's services and patron resources are organized under the Services to Libraries content area.

The Learning Center and the Community Center provide the most unique content on WebJunction.org.

WebJunction offers more than forty online courses in the Learning Center. Courses cover everything from basic software applications to more complex topics such as Web site evaluation, networking, XML, and troubleshooting computer problems. Those completing courses can print a certificate of completion. WebJunction also has a new partnership with Drexel University's Library and Information Science Program, offering WebJunction members a 20 percent reduction in tuition for online degree or certificate programs. While WebJunction's online courses are currently free, more advanced or specialized coursework may be offered for a nominal fee.

As a member-driven site, the heart of WebJunction.org beats strongest in the Community Center. Features here include a member's directory, member's highlight area, a monthly newsletter, and a library of the month spotlight. Threaded discussion areas appear under "All Aboard," where members can contribute to topics such as "Crash & Burn Stories," "Shameless Self-Promotion and News," and "The Biggest Tech Hurdle for My Library Has Been…." There is also an advice column in the Community Center called "I Am Curious, George," moderated by OCLC's George Needham, WebJunction’s own reference librarian. He answers questions ranging from queries about organizing a technology inventory to recruiting volunteers and evaluating Web sites according to CIPA.

Librarians involved in technology planning and delivery are eligible to apply for a series of WebJunction awards that recognize achievement in public access computing. Awards categories include Innovative Content and Uses of Technology, Technology Planning, Sustainability, and Building Digital Opportunities through Community Engagement. The grand prize winners highlight their programs to the WebJunction.org community.

In addition, WebJunction has developed content around major themes and mini-themes to help users explore topics including CIPA and filtering, open source, demonstrating the impact of library services, and small and rural libraries. Topics are determined based on member feedback and input.

To get the most out of WebJunction.org, users who visit the site are encouraged to register to receive customized services. Free registration allows users to enroll in and keep a record of their completed online courses, read, post, and reply to the message boards in the Community Center, receive electronic copies of the newsletter, and participate in ongoing evaluations of WebJunction.org.

Individual users of the site will continue to receive free access to WebJunction content. In the future, groups that request customized services, such as state library agencies, will pay for enhancements. Currently, state library agencies in Colorado, Connecticut, Iowa, New Mexico, and Washington are working with WebJunction on the creation of customized state WebJunction sites that may include special features such as statewide message boards and a prospective content-based recommender that will emphasize updated Web site content to users based on their interest profiles.

Public access computing will remain a core service for public libraries in the years to come. The goal of WebJunction.org is to empower public libraries with the tools they need to make informed decisions about their technology needs. Most important, WebJunction.org is an online meeting place -- a virtual community where everyone's input makes a difference and the success of one organization can spark the success of another.

References

1. "Toward Equity of Access: The Role of Public Libraries in Addressing the Digital Divide (2004)," available at http://www.imls.gov/pubs/pdf/Equality.pdf (accessed 9 May 2004)

2. Gordon, Andrew C., Margaret T. Gordon, Elizabeth J. Moore, and Linda Heuertz (2003), "Legacy of Gates U.S. Library Program: Impacts of Public Access Computing Positive, Widespread," available at http://www.pacp.net/LJ_PAGE_1.html (accessed on 8 May 2004)

3. Maxwell, Eileen and Mamie Bittner (25 February 2004), "Public Libraries Are Key to Providing Digital Opportunity for All," available at http://www.imls.gov/whatsnew/current/022504.htm (accessed 9 May 2004)

Dr. Loriene Roy is Professor in the School of Information at the University of Texas at Austin where she teaches graduate classes on reference, library instruction, and public libraries. She serves on the WebJunction Advisory Board.

Amanda Traviss is a Masters Candidate in the School of Information at The University of Texas at Austin, where as a part of her final Capstone project, she conducted a national survey to support the development of a marketing plan to promote WebJunction to Library and Information Science students and faculty.

Elizabeth Hallmark is a Masters Student in the School of Information at The University of Texas at Austin. As part of an independent study, she helped develop a marketing plan to promote WebJunction as an educational resource for Library and Information Science students and faculty.