Sidebar One to "Introducing Project Videonet":
Sounds good. But "Where's the Beef"?

The goal of Project Videonet is to make more effective use of interactive videoconferencing among California public libraries, thereby improving operational efficiency, fiscal economy, and customer service. Toward that end, here's what the contract project manager (Dan Theobald of i2i Communications) will do:

• Survey public libraries within and outside the state regarding acceptable use and pricing policies for public use of videoconferencing facilities. From survey results, guidelines will be developed that individual libraries can use in setting their own local policies.
• Identify funding sources for purchase of additional equipment for branch libraries. Project Videonet will produce a report on how libraries obtained their equipment, both within and outside California. The project also will provide product and pricing information for libraries wishing to include videoconferencing equipment in their Proposition 14 applications.
• Produce four issues of Videonet Vibrations!
• Organize and administer a listserv for collaborative problem solving and resource sharing
• Develop generic marketing materials that can be localized and used to promote use of library videoconferencing facilities to community groups, local government and business.
• Conduct an analysis of California State Library, Library of California, and library system meetings and trainings and make recommendations regarding which ones could be videoconferenced to enable participation without the need to travel
• Offer refresher skills training on operating equipment, shooting trouble, and running a meeting via videoconference