[OPLINLIST] FW: [District Dispatch] ALA: FCC’s plans to modernize E-rate to create more opportunities for libraries

[Hickson-Stevenson, Pamela]

News from the American Library Association

Pamela J. Hickson-Stevenson, Ohio Chapter Councilor to ALA and
Assistant Director
Akron-Summit County Public Library
60 S. High Street
Akron, OH  44326
 
Phone 330.643.9102          Fax 330.643.9160
 
phs at akronlibrary.org         www.akronlibrary.org 
 
Recognized as one of America's Best Libraries      

The Akron-Summit County Public Library provides resources for learning and leisure, information services, meeting spaces, and programs for all ages that support, improve, and enrich individual, family, and community life.

-----Original Message-----
From: jterry at alawash.org [mailto:jterry at alawash.org] 
Sent: Thursday, September 23, 2010 4:10 PM
To: district at ala.org
Subject: [District Dispatch] ALA: FCC’s plans to modernize E-rate to create more opportunities for libraries

FULL POST: http://bit.ly/bmInVo
--
District Dispatch has posted a new item, 'ALA: FCC’s plans to modernize
E-rate to create more opportunities for libraries'

Contact: Jenni Terry
Press Officer
ALA Washington Office
(202) 628-8410
jterry at alawash.org

For Immediate Release
September 23, 2010  

ALA: FCC’s plans to modernize E-rate to create more opportunities for
libraries 

Washington, D.C. – The American Library Association (ALA) says an Order
passed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) today is a significant
first step toward truly simplifying and streamlining the E-rate program, which
is critical to libraries across the country. 

The reforms outlined today by the FCC would adjust the annual funding cap to
inflation, reinstate leased dark fiber as eligible for discounts, and simplify
the application process – a reform the ALA has long sought and believes will
lead to more successful library applications. 

“These developments could ultimately bring more money to our libraries, which
means better services for the public; however, in order to maximize these
benefits, applicants need swift guidance from the FCC on the implementation of
these rules,” said Emily Sheketoff, executive director of the ALA Washington
Office. 

“In light of the difficult budget constraints facing many libraries, we thank
the Commission for its efforts today to increase the size of the program by
indexing the funding cap to inflation, and we look forward to further efforts
by the Commission to meet the needs of schools and libraries as part of
comprehensive Universal Service reform.” 

Linda Lord, chair of the ALA’s E-rate Taskforce and Maine State Librarian,
said E-rate support is critical to providing robust connectivity for library
services in communities nationwide. 

“Without the E-rate Program, schools and libraries would not have access to
critical resources such as online job training, government information and
education resources. As technologies evolve and budgets remain tight, libraries
will depend more and more on E-rate discounts, and the ALA believes increased
funding will be required in the future to meet library needs.” 

You may view the latest post at
http://www.wo.ala.org/districtdispatch/?p=5295

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Best regards,
Jacob Roberts
jroberts at alawash.org