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OPLIN is seeking libraries to test a new service that will allow libraries to send notification messages directly to patrons' cellphones via standard Short Message Service (SMS) instead of sending messages to their e-mail accounts.

Libraries that are interested in testing this service should be aware of these points:

On May 13, 2010, the State Library of Ohio Board approved a $1,518,401 federal Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) LSTA grant for the Libraries Connect Ohio partners to continue purchasing a core collection of electronic resources for the statewide Ohio Web Library. The collection is available to all Ohioans and includes information and resources such as full text journals, reference materials, newspapers, art, test prep, tutorials, and online courses.

Recently, several libraries have complained about slow connectivity. After looking at traffic patterns for a few of them, we noticed that bandwidth seemed to immediately spike first thing in the morning and remain high for most of the day.

The Spring 2010 OPLIN CIRCUIT is now available.
In this issue:
    * Our capital budget requests
    * More Dynamic Website Kits launched
    * Connectivity policy changes
    * Info on the Spring Database Preview
    * Three items from the OPLIN Support Center
    * Speed tests: do they really work?

As part of a process to prepare a statewide application to obtain federal stimulus funding that would benefit Ohio public libraries, Connect Ohio is conducting surveys to gather additional data about the public computers in libraries and how they are used. Connect Ohio Executive Director Tom Fritz has recorded a 40-minute presentation that provides some background information and details the data gathering and grant process. You can access the audio and the slides at http://www.swonlibraries.org/connectohio.

The winter edition of the OPLIN CIRCUIT is now available.

What's inside?

Info on the new statewide broadband contract, open source in the OPLIN
office and more!

Every fall, OPLIN requires that every library, regional library system, and State Library location which has an OPLIN connection submit two forms to us for E-rate: a Letter of Agency, and a Form 479. It's time now for this year's submission. The procedure is simple:

As we do every year, we respectfully request that every Ohio public library system participate in the OPLIN annual survey of public computer access. The purposes of this survey are:

On Friday July 31, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) will open the application process for $50 million of a $200 million earmark in the Recovery Act for expanding computer center capacity under their Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP). This is the first of three rounds of funding releases; applications for this first $50 million round of funds are due by 5:00 p.m. EDT on August 14, 2009.