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TechSoup - worth the effort for a small library?
Long set-up, question to follow.
Our IT person wanted some of the advantages of TechSoup for our tribal college. He found our tribal college was not a good fit for TechSoup. He thought the library might be able to benefit from the resource. So, now comes the dilemma.
As a tribal college library, our primary purpose is to serve as an academic library for the college. However, we also serve the village population as the public library. We seem to be recognized as an academic library (through IMLS?) and the TechSoup representative will not acknowledge we can be both. Webjunction recognizes us as a public library.
Thus, the $64K question is: Is it worth the effort to convince the TechSoup representative of our status?
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What Do You Get From Them?
What would you get, and what would it cost? Could you go elsewhere for less? Do they do something you could get no where else? Every time I look at Techsoup's site I can never figure out what, exactly, they do. There's so much on their home page I can never figure out what to do. (I don't mean to sound critical of them)
YES!
TechSoup was invaluable when I was in a small, rural public library. I was able to get Microsoft products for pennies on the dollar. Imagine the delight of the library board when I informed them that updating the public access computers (from '98 to 2000, if I remember correctly) would cost $3.00 per computer rather than the normal price, which was in the hundreds.
I was also able to purchase Adobe Photoshop for $60.....which is a tenth of the price you normally pay.
The bottom line is, it's worth the hassle.
Adobe
The Adobe suite is one of the major reasons we'd like to come under TechSoup's wing. Most government grants require documents be in a PDF format. Right now, we're using online resources, but it's always nicer to be able to use one's own resources.
Response from TechSoup
Hi Ree_boy,
Thanks for raising the question! Navigating the waters of eligibility can certainly be confusing, and there are situations such as yours where the outcome is a bit ambiguous.
Currently, public libraries must either have valid 501(c)3 nonprofit status or be listed in the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) database in order to be eligible to participate in TechSoup’s donation programs. Non-public libraries, including private libraries, school libraries, specialty libraries, armed forces libraries, and libraries in government agencies are not eligible for donations through TechSoup at this time.
You can find information about the donations eligible libraries can receive through TechSoup by visiting: http://www.techsoup.org/stock/libraries/
You mentioned that your organization is listed on the IMLS site; as such you would be eligible for some of TechSoup’s donations. The notes in your account indicate that we were not able to verify your status with the IMLS site. Please contact us again with information necessary for finding you on IMLS, and we will reconsider your eligibility.
Best,
Anne
TechSoup Stock Manager
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