Surrounded by soybeans and corn, the residents of Hoopeston, Illinois, had faced harsh economic reality long before the economy became the focus of prime-time news reports and downsizing affected every community. Changes in the food industry and the move to a global economy had left many needing employment and most apprehensive about the future. Indeed, 12.4 percent of Hoopeston’s population lives under the poverty level, and 51percent of the students qualify for free or reduced lunches. However, amid the dismal circumstances, residents often speak with pride about the school system, the hospital complex, and the public library. Established in 1897, the Hoopeston Public Library [HPL] has served the community through many economic cycles. Therefore, its board, director, and staff were excited about an opportunity to help the community and surrounding area with an In Sync with Technology Grant.
Inspired by the efforts of Shannon Rue, Hoopeston’s first Economic Development Director, Lou Graham, the director of HPL, discussed the possibility of an LSTA grant with Rue, the library board, and the library staff. Examining the economic realities, they determined that computer skills were essential for success in most fields and that entrepreneurial enterprises offered a viable alternative to closed factory doors. They agreed with Patrick Rea, Regional Administrator of the United States Small Business Administration, who pointed out that 90% of jobs come from small businesses. The need for both computer training and gainful employment led to the development of Educating the Entrepreneur: From Dreaming to Doing Using E-Commerce.
In October of 2008, the library staff distributed an introductory news release, “An Opportunity for the Entrepreneur,” to various agencies—including several local and area newspapers and two radio stations. This article reported that HPL had received an LSTA grant of $22,271.00 to fund Educating the Entrepreneur: From Dreaming to Doing Using E-Commerce. The release also announced that the library would be hosting four sessions designed to educate the entrepreneur.
To prepare for the training sessions, ten Dell computers, Dreamweaver software, an LCD projector, and a color laser printer were ordered. The computers were operational by the February sessions so that participants could use the software to begin the development of a working web site by the end of Session III.
The original plan included using a contest to encourage interest in the sessions. However, the first release generated considerable interest, and the contest was not necessary. In early November a second release, “Attention Entrepreneurs,” invited those who were interested to sign up for the first session which focused on starting small businesses. An early goal was to have at least ten people attend the first session. When Bill Wilkinson, educator with the Small Business Development Center, presented “How to Start a Small Business” on November 19, 2008, fourteen people attended, including representatives from the city of Hoopeston. Responses from follow-up evaluations were extremely positive. Attendees appreciated Mr. Wilkinson’s extensive knowledge, clear delivery, and willingness to answer questions. Several mentioned that they were looking forward to the second session, “How to Write a Business Plan.”
On Wednesday, February 11, Ross Miller, the Assistant Director of the Illinois Small Business Development Center, presented “How to Establish an Online Presence and How to Use the Tools Needed.” Miller, who had designed the session to be hands-on, offered to present an afternoon session so that each participant would be able to work at a computer. Seventeen people took advantage of this opportunity. On the following day, Miller presented “How to Market on the Web.” Fifteen people attended this final session of the workshop series.
At least three participants are taking advantage of what they learned. One of them is planning to establish an online business this summer, using the library’s computers and software in the creation phase of this enterprise. Another, exploring the idea of venture capitalism, displayed electrically powered cars at the library. A third person is now designing websites for others as a part-time business.
When this project began, Shannon Rue, Hoopeston’s first Economic Development Director, was an enthusiastic partner, encouraging the efforts and anticipating the benefits of the partnership. Her successor, Dana Goodrum, eager to continue the partnership with the library, offered Workforce Development Seminars through Hoopeston’s Office of Economic Development, teaching the first two sessions at the library. The first dealt with Web 2.0 tools for networking and communication; the second, with Microsoft Office 2007, focusing on Word and Excel. Goodrum’s presentations, an unexpected addition to the continuing educational opportunities offered by Web 2.0 tools, definitely complemented the grant’s goals.
The benefits of the grant continue. Other workshops are still in the planning stages. For example, the staff is in the process of scheduling a digital camera workshop, allowing those interested in using the library’s cameras to become familiar with a camera before checking it out. The library now offers the Director’s Blog, using technology to update information and interact with patrons and other interested individuals. In addition, the Hoopeston Public Library Group on Facebook provides another avenue for communication. A section of the library close to the front desk is dedicated to books and other print materials dealing with business and entrepreneurship. Both library staff and patrons continue to take advantage of the Microsoft software.
Realizing the importance of technology in today’s society, the HPL Board of Trustees plans to maintain the public access to computers and has budgeted $5,000 for this goal. Budgeted funds will also allow the library to continue the purchasing of books for the Business and Entrepreneurial Section and the maintenance of equipment already purchased.
The In Sync with Technology Grant has provided state-of-the-art information and technology for our patrons, continuing the library’s commitment to the community and the surrounding area.
