[OPLINLIST] Required OPLIN E-Rate forms from ALL libraries

[Stephen Hedges]

Once again, it is time for every Ohio public library system to complete 
E-Rate forms for OPLIN, specifically a Letter of Agency (LOA) and a Form 
479.

All libraries are required to submit these forms to OPLIN annually, 
regardless of whether or not the library itself participates in the 
E-Rate program.

As before, we have made the process of submitting these forms as simple 
as possible. Just go to http://oplin.org/erate and follow the 
instructions there. This online site will automatically generate the 
forms we need from you.

Unlike before, there is some question this year about which services can 
be E-Rated for libraries that do not comply with the Childrens Internet 
Protection Act (CIPA). This question arises because of the FCC's recent 
"Sixth Order," which has not yet been fully implemented for the E-Rate 
program, but will be soon. (See 
http://www.wo.ala.org/districtdispatch/?p=5413) We have reworded the 
Letter of Agency so it now makes no reference to whether or not the 
library is CIPA-compliant. The Form 479 will continue to be different 
for libraries that are CIPA-compliant and libraries that are not.

We urge all libraries to complete these forms ASAP, so OPLIN can begin 
work on our E-Rate applications. Since some libraries may be reviewing 
their CIPA compliance as a result of the Sixth Order, however, you may 
go to http://oplin.org/erate and resubmit forms as often as needed until 
Friday, February 25, 2011. As we put the final touches on our E-Rate 
applications, we will determine a library's CIPA-compliance based on the 
last Form 479 received from the library prior to 5:00 pm February 25.

Thank you!

-- 
Stephen Hedges, Director
Ohio Public Library Information Network (OPLIN)
2323 W. Fifth Ave., Suite 130
Columbus, OH 43204
614-728-5250  ::  AIM: hedgesst