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“But I still use dialup!Using virtual reference

to serve rural patrons

Matthew “Buzzy” NielsenAssistant Director, North Bend Public Library

05/07/2010

Library Services & Technology Act goals

What we're trying to do

Expand services for learning and access to

information and educational resources in a variety of formats, in

all types of libraries, for individuals of all ages.

Provide electronic and other linkages between and among all types of libraries.s, in all types

of libraries, for individuals of all ages.

Target library and information services to persons having

difficulty using a library and to underserved urban and rural

communities, including children from families with incomes

below the poverty line.

“

”“

”

“”

Library Services & Technology Act goals

What we're trying to do

Expand services for learning and access to

information and educational resources in a variety of formats, in

all types of libraries, for individuals of all ages.

Provide electronic and other linkages between and among all types of libraries.s, in all types

of libraries, for individuals of all ages.

Target library and information services to persons having

difficulty using a library and to underserved urban and rural

communities, including children from families with incomes

below the poverty line.

“

”“

”

“”

Are we?

Assumption:Rural patrons have just as many

questions as urban & suburban ones.

Photo credits: Wesley Fryer, macinate on Flickr, Heidi Gentes

They're just different questions

“How do I freeze-brand cattle?”

“What do I feed theemus I just bought?”

“What the f*&@ is thisthing we found in the yard?”

We've got plenty of rural patrons

.

2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-090.00%

5.00%

10.00%

15.00%

20.00%

25.00%

% of Oregonians in rural counties

% of L-net ques-tions from rural counties

But are they askingenough questions?

.

2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-090.00%

5.00%

10.00%

15.00%

20.00%

25.00%

% of Oregonians in rural counties

% of L-net ques-tions from rural counties

Why?

Source for broadband data: Federal Communicationcs Commission (2009)

Access to broadband

Rural counties in Oregon Broadband deployment in Oregon(darker is better)

The un- and under-served

Rural counties with un- and under-served populations

(indicated in yellow)

An aging population

What can we do about it?

Photo sources: Elkton High School, Langlois Public Library

Focus on institutions

Schools

Libraries

Other publicly-available access points

Go mobile

Don't make it Flashy(AKA don't force users to use bandwidth-hungry widgets.)

Thanks!

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