Overview

November 12

"Libraries aren’t in the business of books – they’re in the business of communities," Curtis Rogers of the Urban Libraries Council told Bloomberg’s CityLab. Libraries are also ever-more digital, serving as a crucial link to internet access for underserved communities and helping to bridge the digital divide.

Join the Center for Digital Education on November 12 at 11 a.m. Pacific/2 p.m. Eastern as our panel – including members of the San Joaquin Valley Library System – explains how libraries are relying on connectivity today more than ever before and how library leaders can continue to meet their communities’ needs.

Register now to hear:
- How libraries’ missions are changing and the impact of COVID-19
- Why connectivity is more critical than ever as libraries digitize
- What you need to know about the $1 billion in E-rate funding libraries may be missing out on

Speakers

Beverly Sutherland

President, EdTechnologyFunds, Inc.

Beverly Sutherland is a passionate technologist with an understanding of the transformational impact it can have on individuals and communities. She worked in the E-rate industry for eight years before founding EdTechnologyFunds, a national E-rate consulting firm, in 2010. Her current work involves helping libraries leverage E-rate funding to build network infrastructures that will enable their communities to prepare and thrive in an increasingly more digital economy. In addition to managing the largest E-rate Category 2 library funding award in 2017, her company has helped libraries leverage their upgraded infrastructures to bring unique programming to their patrons. She assisted a California Library Cooperative expand the access of library programming with video conferencing technology in 2019. Activities like Bilingual Storytime was shared live by 5 library branches and was very well received by the community. Beverly also served as a technical consultant to the California Public Library Broadband Project Grant Program. In addition to her work with libraries, Beverly has a long history working in technology. She has led three worldwide product launches and holds a patent for her contributions in creating advanced imaging technology in High Definition Projection Systems. Outside of E-rate & libraries, Beverly has perfected the art of frying chicken for her 17-year-old, entrepreneurial son Elijah and friends. She is a hot yoga enthusiast and has developed a passion for walking since the Covid closures.

Kevin Nelson

Senior Network Systems Engineer, San Joaquin Valley Library System

Kevin Nelson is the Senior Network Systems Engineer for the San Joaquin Valley Library System and has been there for 15 years. He has worked in the technology field for 35 years in everything from small computer shops to silicon valley startups to a global internet data center company. He is currently the lead and manages technology and supplies internet connectivity to 108 libraries spread across nearly 26,000 square miles. He also architects the network and data center infrastructure, the virtual server environment, deals with vendor and supplier contracts and RFPs, and is the system e-Rate officer. When he isn't glued to multiple computer screens, he rides a motorcycle, is a very, very amateur guitar player, and is supported by his family and the worlds smartest dog.

Patrick Hakes, CCNA Security

IT Manager, Spokane County Library District

Patrick Hakes is the IT Manager for the Spokane County Library District with over 20 years’ experience in the public IT sector. Over the years, Patrick has obtained Microsoft MCSE and Cisco CCNA certifications. Just recently he completed his master degree program at Central Washington University in Information Technology and Administrative Management specializing in Structures of Data Analytics. Since arriving at Spokane County Library District, he has worked to move their server environment to VMware. Utilizing E-Rate Category 1 and 2 funds, Patrick has upgraded the District’s network switch infrastructure to Cisco Catalyst 9300s, rewired one library building, refreshed the District’s APs, quadrupled the WAN speed from 45Mbs to 1Gbs, and increased the District’s Internet speed from 2Gb to 5Gb. He has also implemented Cisco AMP on all District staff computers and migrated the District’s previous web filter to Cisco’s Umbrella.

Steven Zink — Moderator

Steven Zink, Senior Fellow, Center for Digital Education

Steven Zink is an emeritus faculty member at the University of Nevada, Reno, where he served as the University’s first Vice President of Information Technology, while simultaneously serving as Dean, University Libraries. During his lengthy tenure at the University, Zink assembled a vibrant hybrid organization of information professionals, ranging from specialists in instructional technology to librarians to information technology professionals. In 2008, the physical manifestation of the organization was realized with the opening of the widely acclaimed 300,000 square foot Mathewson-IGT Knowledge Center. From 2011-2016, he served as Vice Chancellor for the Nevada System of Higher Education, the coordinating body over all public institutions of higher education in Nevada. Zink holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in history, an M.L.S., and a Ph.D. in information systems science. He is the author of four books and over 120 publications. For 20 years, Zink served as chief editor of an Elsevier-Science bimonthly journal on information policy; he remains a long-time editorial board member of other scholarly journals. Zink is a multiple NSF grant awardee as well the recipient of numerous honors, recognition, and awards for his publications and professional service. He is a frequent speaker/instructor in the areas of information technology and management, as well as information policy and has served as a consultant to numerous publishers, information services and technology firms, government agencies, universities, and higher education libraries.

Webinar

Libraries Evolving Role as Critical Community Hubs