Rural Information Services Initiative (RISE)
Impacts Southern Alberta
RADF Investment: $3,646,688
Other Investment: $1,356,000
Total Investment: $5,002,688
Project Period: June 2008–April 2011
Technology or Communications
Project Description
The Rural Information Services Initiative (RISE) is a partnership between Chinook Arch, Shortgrass, and Marigold library systems in southern Alberta. The project's goal is to establish, for the first time, virtual meeting rooms with high-speed video and Internet access at 80 rural libraries and other public locations. This will give rural residents more opportunities for online learning and skill development and increased access to public services such as Service Canada and Service Alberta.
Expected Outcomes and Benefits
All projects go through a selection process to ensure they will improve the quality of life for Albertans. This project meets this objective through the following outcomes and benefits:
- Improve information resources and new services in local community libraries
- Increase the availability of online services and programs for southern Alberta residents
- Increase number of people taking distance education courses and making use of online public services
- Realize savings in travel time and costs as rural residents use videoconferencing for business and education