Carroll County
INSPIRE, Internet Help in Rural Communities
There is a tremendous amount of untapped potential in this rural county in the form of young people who, for various reasons (financial, academic, lack of encouragement and family precedence), have not considered any type of post high school education. In 2001 we launched our Coffee Talk College Series, designed to remove the obstacles keeping this group from pursuing a better life through education. The first year was a building year, the second revealed marked improved interest, and this year's program will be a joint effort of the library and the school guidance office. Online courses and research are promoted during this program as alternatives to the traditional classroom/campus experience. Library Internet connectivity and resources, such as INSPIRE, truly help level the playing field in small rural communities.
Melissa, Librarian
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INSPIRE helps us stretch budget
Our students have had access to a wealth of information through INSPIRE that we could never afford to provide with our limited school budgets. The research that the students and staff have been able to accomplish through access to many national newspapers and periodicals is an invaluable tool. We desperately need this resource and will have to severely cut our book budgets to provide a very limited number of magazines for research for students and staff if INSPIRE is not funded. For the sake of our students, please reconsider this service to Indiana residents.
Kathi, Librarian
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