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

[Diedre Conkling]

FYI

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: <jterry at alawash.org>
Date: Thu, Sep 23, 2010 at 1:10 PM
Subject: [District Dispatch] ALA: FCC’s plans to modernize E-rate to create
more opportunities for libraries
To: district at ala.org


FULL POST: http://bit.ly/bmInVo
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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

You received this e-mail because you asked to be notified when new updates
are
posted.
Best regards,
Jacob Roberts
jroberts at alawash.org



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*Diedre Conkling
Lincoln County Library District
P.O. Box 2027
Newport, OR  97365
Phone & Fax:  541-265-3066
**Work email:  **diedre at lincolncolibrarydist.org*<diedre at lincolncolibrarydist.org>
*  NEW**
Home email:  **diedre08 at gmail.com* <diedre08 at gmail.com>
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