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Gates Grants
Currently the State Library is administering grants that were received from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
The Public Access Computer Hardware Upgrade Grant (PAC-HUG) program is being administered by the Montana State Library. Phase 1 of the PAC-HUG program was completed in December of 2006. Phase 2 of the program will end in December of 2008. The program is structured to assist Montan public libraries in meeting the computer hardware needs of their communities. For libraries that have been able to upgrade equipment already, PAC-HUG will make it possible to plan for the sustainability of high quality public access equipment.
In December of 2005 all Montana public libraries and branches completed an online technology survey using TechAtlas. Montana State Library used the data from this survey to determine how PAC-HUG grant funds would be spent using the Gates Foundation's funding priorities. Some Montana libraries are eligible for funds in more than one priority. The following priorities are being funded (NOTE: this list does not include funding priorities that ended in December 2006):
Priority #2A - Libraries that have already replaced original 2000 Gates computer equipment will receive grant funds to be used to sustain or increase public access. Funds in this priority can be used to purchase new public access computing hardware and software either to replace other equipment or to add new equipment for public access to the Internet. Libraries in Priority #2A will receive awards equaling $1,145 for each computer replaced. These projects must be completed and all grant money expended by December 31, 2008.
Priority #3 - This priority makes it possible for libraries that did not participate in the 2000 Gates program to purchase additional public access equipment (deadline December 31, 2008). Libraries in Priority #3 will receive $1,145 for each computer purchased.
