[Libs-Or] Willamette ESD offers e-rate filing service to libraries

[Ann Reed]

Greetings,
The Willamette ESD is now offering e-Rate application services to Oregon libraries on a contract basis.  
My name is Sabrina Ganoe and I am the e-Rate Coordinator for Willamette Education Service District in Salem.  My duties include processing the e-Rate application for our consortium as well as full service e-Rate application support to many school districts in Oregon. Willamette ESD provides these services on a contract basis to any eligible entity that needs help utilizing the program. We are now expanding our services to include Oregon libraries, and wanted to make you all aware of what we have to offer. 
For those of you who may not know, e-Rate is a federal program that started in 1998 and is funded by the Universal Service charge that is assessed on telephone and Internet bills each month. The program is administrated by the Universal Services Administrative Company (USAC), and provides discounts to schools and libraries for their telecom and Internet services. There is a complex set of rules that govern the eligibility of each entity as well as the discount rate provided to them. The discount level ranges from 20% to 90%, and is determined by the percentage of students that qualify for the Free and Reduced Lunch program in your local school district. Here are some statistics: 
 There are 127 libraries in Oregon that may be eligible for e-Rate discounts. 
In 2007, only 36 of those requested a total of $328,712.41 from the program.
In 2008, only 32 of those requested a total of $318,853.79 from the program.
 That means less than 1/3 of Oregon's libraries are benefiting from this program.
The application process is tedious and in some cases it is perceived to be more work that it's worth. That's where we can help. Willamette ESD will handle all aspects of the application process, and can help you plan your purchasing activities in order to take full advantage of the program, and stay compliant with its rules. I work closely with your technology, procurement and finance departments to gather the necessary information to maximize the discounts you receive. In most cases, information can be gathered via email, fax, and phone; making it easy for your library to participate. 
 I really look forward to speaking with any of you who may be interested in obtaining our services. I can answer questions about the program, eligibility, and more. Check out the attached flyer for more information, and please feel free to contact me any time.
 
Sabrina Ganoe
e-Rate and Training Customer Service Rep
Willamette Education Service District
2611 Pringle Rd SE
Salem, OR 97302
P: 503.540.4495
F: 503.540.2962
 
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