Alaska OWL: Online With Libraries

The Alaska State Library (ASL) OWL project will provide much needed resources to Alaska communities through videoconferencing services in public libraries. The libraries need to obtain high-quality, affordable bandwidth that is necessary for basic Internet use and videoconferencing. The Alaska State Library will work with multiple program partners to create such a quality network of library broadband service.

This videoconferencing project, administered through local public libraries, will create a cost-effective way for government agencies and nonprofit organizations to deliver their services to citizens of Alaska. The distribution of Alaska’s population presents unique infrastructure challenges, primarily geographic isolation. Seventy percent of Alaska's public libraries are not on the road system and are reachable only via air or water. These communities lack the local resources and basic services to which Americans, even those living in rural areas, are accustomed.

Some of the identified programs and services that will directly serve vulnerable populations in rural Alaska communities via the public libraries include:

• Live Homework Help: The ASL has an existing program that provides live homework help. The program could be expanded as students receive a more interactive experience via videoconferencing.
• Distance Education: The University of Alaska plans to offer new and/or enhanced distance education courses to adults throughout the state via public libraries.
• Programs for Deaf and Hard of Hearing: The Governor’s Council on Special Education and Disabilities could implement programs for deaf and hard of hearing students. Students could learn sign language via videoconferencing.
• Health and Human Services: Case workers for HHS could more frequently and effectively interact with victims of domestic abuse through e-mail or face-to-face videoconferencing and distribute helpful information to the general public via Web-based tools. Case workers conducting on-site services could improve speed and accuracy by filing paperwork electronically.
• Mental Health Services: Social workers and mental health specialists could offer stress mitigation therapies with patients via videoconferencing instead of flying directly to remote regions. Psychological evaluations could potentially be conducted online.
• Permanent Fund Dividends (PFD): Beginning this year, the annual Permanent Fund Dividend is moving to an online application. Libraries could offer assistance to Alaska residents in applying for their PFDs online.

The 105 public libraries in Alaska serve 677,000 people (99% of the state's population) in 100 communities; all of them will be involved in this project. They already serve as primary community centers and anchor institutions in their communities and are used by all ages and populations. More than 50% of these libraries serve significant populations of Alaska Natives.