[Libs-Or] ALA calls on House subcommittee to use libraries, other anchor institutions to promote universal broadband

[Diedre Conkling]

ALA calls on House subcommittee to use libraries, other anchor institutions
to promote universal broadband
<http://www.wo.ala.org/districtdispatch/?p=3644> September 11th, 2009 |
Category: Technology, the Internet, and
Telecommunications<http://www.wo.ala.org/districtdispatch/?cat=14>
http://www.wo.ala.org/districtdispatch/?p=3644

Contact: Jenni Terry <jterry at alawash.org>

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The American Library Association (ALA) applauds Rep. Rick
Boucher (VA-D-9), chair of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on
Communications, Technology and the Internet, and other subcommittee members
for voicing support for providing broadband funding to anchor institutions
during the second in a series of oversight hearings on the American Recovery
and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) broadband programs held yesterday.

ALA especially notes comments by Reps. Anna Eshoo (D-CA-14) and Doris Matsui
(D-CA-5) that emphasized the importance of libraries and other anchor
institutions in advancing the goals of stimulating broadband adoption and
using Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) and Broadband
Initiatives Program (BIP) funding strategically.

“Congressional representatives asked great questions, and the administrators
of the BTOP and BIP programs reported how these ARRA initiatives have gotten
off to a fast start, but we believe it is essential for Congress to
understand that there is not enough BTOP and BIP funding to support
build-out to all unreached communities and to all vulnerable populations,”
said Lynne Bradley, director of the ALA Office of Government Relations.

“While it must be a national goal to deliver broadband to every home and
community, the ‘best bang for the buck’ during this transition is to fund
local public institutions who serve broad populations, such as libraries.”

The ALA asserts that, with broadband, libraries and other anchor
institutions can deliver traditional services in the arenas of education,
information, governance and health care services while simultaneously
spurring public education and training to promote broadband adoption.
Funding these anchor institutions will also generate new types of public
services and applications that will further advance deployment and help
connect every consumer.

“Anchor institutions, including libraries, K-12 and higher education and
health care institutions are critical for the start-up and sustainability of
broadband services.  Our institutions can lead the national transition to
broadband by benefiting the maximum number of Americans immediately through
the institutions already in every community – from rural to urban,” Bradley
said.

The ALA looks forward to working with the subcommittee, National
Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), Rural Utilities
Service (RUS), Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and others to
advance “broadband for all” and to demonstrate how essential libraries are
to universal access.








-- 
Diedre Conkling
Lincoln County Library District
P.O. Box 2027
Newport, OR  97365
Work phone & fax:  541-265-3066
Work email:  diedre at beachbooks.org
Home email:  diedre08 at gmail.com
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