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Appleton Public Library to hire limited‑term part‑time technology position funded by $20,000 Microsoft TechSpark grant
Summary
Trustees approved acceptance of a $20,000 Microsoft TechSpark grant and creation of a grant‑funded limited‑term, part‑time library assistant position focused on technology, learning and innovation; staff said the role is fully contingent on grant funds and could be adjusted by hours or additional funding.
The Appleton Board of Trustees authorized acceptance of a $20,000 grant from Microsoft TechSpark and approved a grant‑funded limited‑term, part‑time position described as “library assistant — technology, learning and innovation” at its Aug. 19 meeting.
Library staff told trustees that Microsoft TechSpark is a philanthropic arm of Microsoft that partners with local communities; the Appleton Public Library was awarded $20,000 to fund the position. Staff said the entire grant amount is allocated to the position and not to programming.
Library staff explained the position will be strictly contingent on the grant: "This is an opportunity for us to fund a limited term part time position completely contingent on funding," staff said during the meeting. Staff said there is no fixed calendar term; the position’s length will equal the period for which funds exist. If the grant-funded hours later reach the threshold for Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) coverage, staff said the position could trigger WRS obligations.
Staff described the role as flexible in hours (examples given included 10–15 hours per week), unbenefited at lower weekly hours and paid hourly with employer payroll taxes handled from the grant. Staff said any extension of the role would require returning to trustees with additional funding authority.
Trustees approved acceptance of the grant and creation of the limited‑term position by voice vote. Meeting notes show staff will proceed to hire the position under the grant terms and report back to trustees on outcomes.
Context and limitations Staff emphasized that the position is not permanent: if the TechSpark funding ends, the position ends. Staff also said that the library could pursue additional external funding or friends grants to support guest presenters or materials, but the $20,000 TechSpark funds are designated for the position salary and related payroll costs only.
Next steps Library human resources will post and recruit for the position under the grant terms; trustees asked that staff report on hiring outcomes and any requests to extend or expand funding.
