Cost Categories and Elements
System/Server Hardware.
The physical technology required to maintain an Internet-based network, mount content, and run services. Such items include workstations, servers, printers and scanners.
Telecommunication Lines Out to the Internet.
There are two types of connections to the Internet: Dial-up Connections and Leased-Line Connections. Dial-up connections use telephone lines (analog or digital) and a modem to connect (dial) computers to the Internet. Line connections are dedicated data lines that connect computers to the Internet.
Communications Hardware/Fees.
The equipment and services necessary to maintain an Internet connection for dial-up and leased-lines. Such equipment includes modems for connecting a computer via a phone line and routers for connecting a computer via a dedicated leased-line.
In addition, Internet connectivity requires a library/network service to have an Internet account provided by an Internet Service Provider (ISP). Note: in some cases, Internet accounts are donated by the ISP. If this is the case, please put that in section 9 of the worksheet, No-cost Items).
Software.
Using the Internet requires the acquisition and maintenance of a variety of software programs. The clients and servers must be running some type of network operating system (e.g., Windows NT, Novell Netware). To browse the World Wide Web (Web), users will need navigation software (e.g., Netscape, Internet Explorer, Lynx, etc.). If the library is placing content on the Internet via web pages, they may use a software tool that assists them in creating HTML, such as Microsoft FrontPage, or others. For running Web sites, web server software such as Webstar is necessary. If a specific software package will be utilized on many computers on a network, it maybe necessary to purchase site licenses; this would be indicated by the Annual Recurring column. A library also might decide to have special software to assist people with disabilities.
Facilities Upgrades and Maintenance
Depending on the age, adequacy, and capabilities of the facilities that will house the library's/network service's Internet technologies, the facilities may require little to substantial renovations to support adequate Internet connectivity and programs. Such renovations may include adding phone lines, cabling, air conditioning suitable for computer systems, additional power supply, space, office equipment and furniture.
Electronic Content/Resource Services
A wide variety of commercial Internet-based services are now available (e.g., OCLC Firs Search, Carl Uncover). Such services, as well as others, are also available via CD-ROM. In addition, Library and network services provide on-line reference assistance such as e-mail responses to questions. This section seeks to identify the costs associated with those electronic services being offered by libraries and network services.
Grant/Program Development
In the process of establishing and maintaining a network connection, libraries/network services may engage in several planning and assistance-oriented activities. These include strategic planning, securing the services of strategic pla nners or other outside consultants, and providing innovation or start-up connectivity grants for libraries to connect to the Internet or develop special Internet-based content. Such costs are reflected in this section.
Staff
Some of the areas on which staff traditionally spend their time on include content development, network administration, training, helping others, planning, and resource development. In many cases, staff perform more than one of those tasks, and it may not be possible to break down their time into specific task areas. Please check one or more of the responsibilities that apply to the specific staff positions.
No-Cost Items
Many public libraries collaborate with a variety of local, state, and national institutions through which libraries receive numerous Internet-related items without direct cost to the library/network service. For example, a public library may receive e-mail accounts from a local university. In other cases, the county/state information services department may house and maintain library computer systems at no cost to the library. It is important to identify the existence of these gifts/services, although it may not be possible to accurately reflect the market value of such gifts/services