As part of the Broadband READY Grant from the Illinois Office for Broadband, Western Illinois University (WIU) and the Reaching Across Illinois Library System (RAILS) will co-host a one-day conference spotlighting the importance broadband in rural communities and how libraries play a crucial role in expanding digital access.
For the full agenda, please see below.
At-a-glance schedule:
9:00-9:30 am - Welcome, Introductions & Recognition of Grant Recipient Libraries 9:30 - 10:00 a.m. - Keynote: Why Broadband is Critical to Illinois Libraries
10:00 – 10:30 a.m. - WIU Libraries: Outreach & Partnerships
10:30 - 11:00 a.m. - Social Media Literacy & Outreach
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. - Table Talks
12:00 - 1:00 p.m. - Lunch
1:00 - 1:30 p.m. - Chromebook/Hotspot Lending Spotlight
1:30 - 2:00 p.m. - The Future of Broadband in Illinois
2:00 - 2:30 p.m. - Libraries, Economic Development, and the Importance of Broadband to Western Illinois
2:30 - 3:00 p.m. - Large Group Discussion, Next Steps, and Thank Yous
Please indicate any dietary restrictions in the registration notes.