It was good to read the announcement for the launch of the Broadband Technology Opportunity Program (BTOP) grant project at the Simla branch of the Elbert County (CO) Library District. The grant provides for a new mobile computer lab and accessible computer station. The mobile lab has been developed to provide training opportunities to improve job-related computer and Internet skills.

Thankfully, as the unemployment rate again inches up, another public library is able to expand its “safety net” to the community. In addition to the computers, the grant provides the basic technology training that, for many people, is their first introduction to using a computer.

As reported in the new 2010-2011 Public Library Funding & Technology Access Study, 87.4 percent of Colorado libraries report providing technology training for the public. This matches the overall average for this year’s study. Here’s how it breaks out nationally by type of training:

Nationally, libraries report that assistance for job-seekers continue to be the most in-demand technology service. In the recent study, over 89 percent of Colorado libraries report providing access to jobs databases and other job resources. Thanks to the BTOP grant, many more job-seeking residents will be able to benefit from library services and staff expertise.

The Colorado BTOP project, titled “Bridging Colorado’s Great Digital Divide,” involves public, school, and tribal libraries, and will benefit 76 communities. In addition to the BTOP stimulus funds, the grant is supported with funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and matching funds from the Library District.

Kudos to the library for getting the Elbert County Farm Bureau Federation to donate ice cream sundaes for the upcoming project open house. Hope there are lots of moist towelettes close by!