Toward Gigabit Libraries

The Toward Gigabit Libraries toolkit and Broadband Improvement Plan is a powerful, free tool to help libraries learn about and improve their current broadband infrastructure and internal information technology (IT) environment. Using the Toward Gigabit Libraries toolkit and Broadband Improvement Plan, librarians will be better equipped to improve their broadband services and become stronger advocates for their libraries’ broadband infrastructure needs.

The Toward Gigabit Libraries toolkit project was made possible through a 2015 grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) (RE-00-15-0110-15). The grant team received a subsequent 2-year IMLS grant, called “Gigabit Libraries and Beyond” (RE-246219-OLS-20), in September of 2020 to improve upon the toolkit and expand its reach throughout the United States. While the initial toolkit was created for rural and tribal libraries, the Gigabit Libraries and Beyond grant seek to expand the toolkit’s audience to address the needs of urban libraries in “tech deserts.”

Download the Toward Gigabit Libraries toolkit and Broadband Improvement Plan to deepen your understanding of your library’s broadband and IT environment, identify areas to improve, and become a better advocate for your library’s broadband infrastructure needs. Watch the video below to learn more about what areas the toolkit covers and how you can start using it today.

Quick Links

Toward Gigabit Libraries Toolkit

Download the toolkit to better understand and improve upon your library’s IT and broadband setup.

Broadband Improvement Plan

Download the Broadband Improvement plan.

IMLS “Toward Gigabit Libraries” Final Report

Download the IMLS “Toward Gigabit Libraries” final report.

Gigabit Libraries and Beyond Grant

The Gigabit Libraries and Beyond grant project aims to improve the successful Toward Gigabit Libraries Toolkit and Broadband Action Plan.