REAL

FY09 Program Information

July 2008

FY09 REAL Program Update

As MOREnet prepares for another year, we would like to thank you for your continued participation in the REAL Program. MOREnet values the support and collaboration of every member and we hope that our services continue to make a difference in your libraries every day.

The REAL Program provides Internet access, online resources, training, technical support, videoconferencing and other services over a MOREnet-managed state network to participating Missouri public libraries. The REAL Program is sponsored by the Missouri State Library and is made possible through collaboration among DESE, the Department of Higher Education and the Missouri State Library.

If you have any questions or comments about MOREnet services or the REAL Program please don’t hesitate to contact me at Jeanne@more.net or 1-800-509-6673.

Again, thank you for your membership and support, and have a great year in FY09!

Jeanne Sullivan
REAL Program Manager

New MOREnet Participation Agreement and MOREnet Service Policies for FY09

In April 2008 MOREnet released a new version of the MOREnet Participation Agreement and MOREnet Service Policies. All libraries have signed and returned this document. However, for future reference this information is online at http://www.more.net/about/servicepolicies/index.html.

New Public Wireless Access Guidance

“Wireless Access at REAL Program Libraries” guidance is available below and posted online at http://www.more.net/programs/real/wireless_policy.html.

Additional technical information in implementing the guidance is available in the “Best Practices When Implementing Public Access Wireless” document available at http://www.more.net/programs/real/wireless_ac.html.

“Wireless Access at REAL Program Libraries” Guidance

“The Missouri State Library recognizes that wireless Internet access can be an important component of a library’s public services. Responsible management of wireless networks ensures the safety and reliability of the library’s technical infrastructure, bandwidth usage, and the integrity of Internet use by the public. Additionally, guidance by the Schools and Libraries Division (SLD), who administers the federal E-rate program, prohibits wireless access outside an organization’s property line.

For libraries offering wireless access through the MOREnet network, the following Missouri State Library policy applies.

• Wireless access is prohibited outside the property line of the library. In cases where this is not technically possible, the library must have made reasonable efforts to comply and must authenticate all users of the wireless access.
• REAL Program participants are recommended to authorize all wireless users as being library patrons through an authentication software program or automation system.

Any library participating in the REAL Program that is planning, or currently providing, wireless access for their facilities may contact MOREnet Technical Support for assistance with establishing an authentication procedure to assure compliance with MOREnet Service Policies and SLD guidance.”

FY09 Annual Participation Fee

For FY09, the REAL Program annual participation fee will remain the same as for FY08.

Update your MOREnet Contacts!

Please review the designated MOREnet contacts for your library and make any necessary updates, especially any e-mail changes. MOREnet uses these contacts to communicate about service related issues. To find your organization’s current list of contacts, go to the Find My Contact utility located http://solutions.more.net/apps/find_contact/ncontact.html.

Internet Connection Upgrades

MOREnet and the Missouri State Library want to provide libraries the bandwidth needed to support their missions by providing a size-appropriate connection.

It is very important that as libraries increase their use of the Internet by expanding their networks and adding new resources and services they be aware of the impact on bandwidth utilization and make the most efficient use of their bandwidth. If you are planning a new service like public wireless access or notice slowdowns in your Internet access please contact MOREnet Technical Support at 1-800-509-6673 to discuss ways to manage your bandwidth more effectively or to request an upgrade of your current connection.

E-rate Requirements

E-rate funds a significant portion of the REAL Program. It is important that MOREnet maintain this funding source for continued support of services.

As part of MOREnet's annual E-rate application, the Schools and Libraries Division (SLD) of the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) requires MOREnet to collect Letters of Agency (LOA) and the E-rate Form 479 from each member library. The LOA serves as acknowledgement that MOREnet is requesting E-rate discounts on services being provided to the library by MOREnet. The form 479 is required for the library to certify Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) compliance.

It is important that libraries respond to MOREnet’s requests for this information in a timely fashion. Information regarding the annual collection of this information will be sent in November.

Failure by a member to meet these requirements may result in lost E-rate discounts to MOREnet, and the member will be required to reimburse MOREnet for any lost E-rate discounts.

REAL Program Service Changes for FY09

REAL E-mail Accounts Discontinued

REAL program funded e-mail accounts will no longer function as of June 30, 2008. This will impact any e-mail addresses with the domain of @real.more.net. We realize that this service change is very inconvenient. However, MOREnet was requested to discontinue this service upon the recommendation of University of Missouri legal staff due to concerns about potential liability.

Newspaper Titles Available through NewsBank Reduced

The contract with NewsBank for a selection of full-text cover-to-cover newspapers has recently been rebid due to procurement requirements. Because of increasing resource costs, the Missouri State Library had to make a difficult decision in determining which newspaper titles will be renewed. For the year August 1, 2008 – June 30, 2009, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch and the Kansas City Star will be the only titles available from NewsBank as a part of the state-funded online resources. These two titles were selected for renewal based on an analysis showing the majority of the articles viewed over the previous year were from the St. Louis Post-Dispatch and the Kansas City Star.

FY09 REAL Program Services Summary

The services described within this section are included with your library’s annual MOREnet membership.

Internet Connectivity

http://www.more.net/services/connectivity/index.html

Each member library receives the connectivity needed to assist with its mission. Currently, each member library receives a minimum of one T1 connection (1.536 Mbps) to MOREnet’s state backbone network. This connection provides libraries access to the many resources and applications on the Internet.

Online Resources and MOREnet KnowledgeBase

http://www.more.net/online and http://help.more.net

MOREnet members have access at no additional cost to online resources that include EBSCO databases, the Gale Discovering Collection, NewsBank newspapers and the Learning Express Library online practice tests. These resources are provided by the Missouri State Library and are included with your organization’s annual MOREnet membership. The KnowledgeBase is available through the University of Missouri and MOREnet.

Organizations may provide home access for all databases to patrons at no additional cost except the Kansas City Star and the KnowledgeBase. This is a great way for your organization to provide home access to these valuable resources. For more information, go to http://www.more.net/online/remote.html.

Learning Express Library online practice tests provide a wide range of exams including Advanced Placement, the SAT, ACT, grade level skills improvement, U.S. Citizenship, ASVAB, Firefighter, Police Officer, Paramedic, EMT Basic, Postal Worker, Cosmetology, and Real Estate Agent & Broker. Each practice test includes instant diagnostic score reports and answer explanations. Courses are offered in English and some include Spanish instructions.

The Discovering Collection is geared to upper elementary and secondary grade levels and provides thousands of overview essays, critical analyses, biographies, primary sources, creative works and multimedia elements, aiding students in researching papers and class assignments in history, literature, biography, science and social studies.

NewsBank provides full text cover-to-cover access to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch and the Kansas City Star.

EBSCOhost includes full text magazines and newspapers and information on a wide range of topics including general, business, military and government, K-12 and health.

MOREnet offers a searchable KnowledgeBase to all member staff and patrons. The MOREnet KnowledgeBase, from RightAnswers, is a collection of more than 125,000 technical articles across more than 200 software titles including Windows products. In addition, MOREnet adds custom content relevant to MOREnet member services. Users can access the MOREnet KnowledgeBase from any computer connected through MOREnet.

REAL EZ Web

http://www.more.net/programs/real/realezweb01.html

REAL EZ Web gives REAL Program public libraries an easy and economical way to establish a website. This program targets public libraries with no website or an underdeveloped website. REW hosts your website and provides an easy interface to make changes on your webpage.

MyMOREnet

http://www.more.net/services/mymorenet/

MyMOREnet is a Web-based service that allows members to access MOREnet-related information about their organization including a Member Summary, Internet connection(s) usage information and domain name registration.

The Member Summary allows organizations to view information, including online resource use, current contact information, connection information, IP addresses, purchased services, help desk ticket activity and training session attendance.

Free Registration and Lodging for Spring Technology Conference

The REAL Program provides one free registration for the first 40 libraries (one per library) that register for the annual MOREnet Spring Technology Conference, Connections. In addition library staff that present at the conference have their registration fee waived and lodging paid for two nights.

Technical Support and Network Consulting

http://help.more.net

MOREnet provides technical support for all member libraries including assistance with configuring remote access for online resources. In addition, our Network Consulting Group can provide technical consulting and troubleshooting services to help improve your library’s network performance.

Training and Professional Development

http://www.more.net/training

Do you know all the tips for using the various online resources available through MOREnet? MOREnet training can come to your library to provide a staff in-service at no extra charge. All you have to do is e-mail MOREnet Training at training@more.net.

In addition to on-site training, MOREnet also provides sessions in Columbia, online and at regional locations across the state on a wide variety of topics covering different skill level including networking, security, web design, whiteboards and online resources. MOREnet also offers New Horizons courses at a reduced rate for library attendees.

Security Services

http://www.more.net/security

MOREnet members have access to security incident response personnel dedicated to providing the highest level of network security services. MOREnet Security Services provides security education, consulting and proactive alerts to help keep your networks safe.

BeSafe Internet Safety Website

In early 2007, MOREnet launched a new Internet safety website to help members better prepare children and parents to address the risks encountered online. You’ll find information about MOREnet’s NetSmartz teacher training, plus a host of other resources you can use to help keep Missouri families safe online. Also, keep an eye on the BeSafe website for information about current and future Internet Safety Night events.

Good Net Neighbor

http://www.more.net/security/gnns/gnn-phase1.html

http://www.more.net/security/gnns/gnn-phase2.html

MOREnet members who elect to participate in the Good Net Neighbor service authorize MOREnet to block some incoming and outgoing ports to make your network less susceptible to spam, viruses, bots and other threats. There is no cost to sign up, and you can activate the service through your MyMOREnet account.

E-rate Assistance

http://www.more.net/services/e-rate

MOREnet provides E-rate assistance to libraries submitting E-rate applications. Whether you are new to the E-rate program or an E-rate veteran, be sure to stay up to date on E-rate program changes. Call MOREnet with your E-rate questions. You don’t want to miss an opportunity to save money.

MOREnet Additional Fee-Based Services

In addition to the program provided services, MOREnet offers additional fee-based services that can further enhance the value of technology in your library.

MOREnet Hosted Conferences and Events

http://www.more.net/conferences

Be sure to check the MOREnet website for information about the following MOREnet Events:

• Oct. 1-3, 2008, Training in the MOREnet Room at the MLA Conference
• Oct. 2008 Internet Safety Night (Date TBD)
• March 18, 2009, MOREnet Spring Security Symposium
• March 19-20 2009, Connections 2009, MOREnet Spring Technical Conference

Internet Content Filtering (ICF)

http://www.more.net/services/filter

MOREnet offers Internet Content Filtering powered by SmartFilter® Bess® Edition which filters web traffic and allows for the customization of filtering at the library level. You may purchase the MOREnet-hosted option, or you may host on your network using your hardware. With either option, control over filtering options rests within your library.

kinetic (E-mail and Web hosting)

http://www.more.net/services/managed/kinetic

The kinetic service allows members to maintain their own web space and/or e-mail on MOREnet-managed servers. This allows your organization to inexpensively manage these services while removing the trouble and expense of maintaining your own hardware and software. This service includes e-mail virus and spam filtering.

E-Mail Virus and Spam Filtering (EVSF)

http://www.more.net/services/evsf/

EVSF is a low-cost layer of protection for your network and e-mail system. Viruses and spam are two of the biggest hassles administrators deal with. EVSF requires no end-user participation; no server, equipment or software configuration; no time to administer; and no hardware investment on your part. EVSF removes all known e-mail-borne viruses and eliminates most spam, and it all happens on MOREnet’s backbone. With the service enhancements implemented as of August 2007, EVSF is currently blocking nearly 95 percent of e-mail as spam.