REAL

Joining REAL

Eligibility Requirements

Any tax-supported public library will be eligible to participate in the General Assembly-funded portions of the program. A tax-supported library is any library that is funded in whole or in part through either dedicated tax revenue, as in a property tax-supported library district, or the general revenue of a political subdivision of the state, as in a municipal library supported from the general revenue of the city. The minimum requirements for tax support to be eligible to receive state aid also apply to this program.

In addition, participants must meet the following qualifications.

• Provide at a minimum two computer workstations. The computer workstations must be at least a Pentium 3 with 128 MB RAM, and have at least 2 GB of available hard disk space. Machines must have Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition or greater. (The recommended specifications for new computer purchases are outlined in Recommended Equipment List.) Funding may be available through an LSTA grant for securing additional needed computer workstations. If you do not have two workstations that meet the minimum requirements, please contact Debbie Musselman at the Missouri State Library at (800) 325-0131 x14.
• The workstations must be connected together. The most common network solutions are Novell or Windows in a peer-to-peer configuration.
• The library commits to providing public access within six months of receiving the connection.
• Designate up to four library staff members as MOREnet contacts. Contacts are designated to request services from MOREnet and are the channel for communications regarding program-related information. Contacts are required to attend basic Internet training at the MOREnet Training offices in Columbia, Mo. The REAL program will cover all travel expenses. Additional information on responsibilities of contacts is available in REAL Contact Information.
• A Technology Plan is required and can be reviewed by the Missouri State Library.

Application Process

To join the REAL program, please complete the application form, available from the menu on the right, and mail it to Missouri State Library, ATTN: Debbie Musselman/REAL Program, 600 W. Main St., Jefferson City MO 65102.

Please contact Jeanne Sullivan with MOREnet at (800) 509-6673 if you have any questions about this application.