[Libs-Or] Fwd: [alacro-l] FCC Expands E-Rate for Libraries Schools by 1.5 Billion

[Suzanne Sager]

FYI,

Suzanne L. Sager

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Michael Dowling <mdowling at ala.org>
Date: Fri, Dec 12, 2014 at 11:43 AM
Subject: [alacro-l] FCC Expands E-Rate for Libraries Schools by 1.5 Billion
To: "ALACro-l at lists.ala.org" <ALACro-l at lists.ala.org>
Cc: "Chapeditor at lists.ala.org" <Chapeditor at lists.ala.org>

*FCC E-rate action expands broadband opportunities for libraries*

[image: RSS Feed] <http://www.ala.org/news/feed/press-releases/rss.xml>
Subscribe <http://www.ala.org/news/feed/press-releases/rss.xml>

For Immediate Release
Thu, 12/11/2014

*Contact:*

Jazzy Wright

Press Officer

Washington Office

202-628-8410

jwright at alawash.org

Today, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approved a landmark
E-rate modernization order that addresses the broadband capacity gap facing
many public libraries. In response, American Library Association (ALA)
President Courtney Young released the following statement:

"Connecting America’s libraries with high-capacity broadband connects our
communities with opportunity and changes lives. Sometimes the government’s
words are far greater than their actions—today is not one of those times.
The Commission’s action is monumental and will make a critical difference
for the libraries and schools in our nation, and even more importantly for
the communities and students they serve.

"Today marks the culmination of more than 18 months of ALA’s extensive and
unwavering advocacy on behalf of libraries across the country in connection
with the FCC’s E-rate proceeding. In this proceeding, ALA advocated, among
other things, that the FCC must address both the lack of affordable
high-capacity broadband for the majority of libraries and the long-term
funding shortage of the E-rate program.

"We are very pleased that the Commission, as ALA recommended, has removed
restrictions that have prevented many libraries from getting the broadband
they so desperately need. In addition, we applaud the Commission for
recognizing our concerns regarding the funding shortage. Today, the FCC
confirmed that it will add an additional *$1.5 billion* to the yearly
program for libraries and schools.

"We congratulate the Commission for completing what amounts to
re-engineering a 20th century telecommunications program and, after
strategic review, reassembling it to make sure libraries can build and
maintain the cutting edge networks that are the foundation for 21st century
education, employment and entrepreneurship, community engagement, and
individual empowerment—what is known as *The E’s of Libraries*™.

"There are countless examples of the transformative impact of investing in
library broadband. These include everything from a Maine library’s virtual
field trips with the Smithsonian Museums to a patron Skyping for a job
interview at the Omaha Public Library (NE). In another example, using the
video conferencing available at the library in Sitka, Alaska, an adoptive
parent was able to train for over six hours with doctors, nurses, and
medical company specialists regarding her foster son's medical conditions.
Going to Anchorage or Seattle was not an option as this parent is also an
adoptive mother to 12 other children, all with disabilities.

"ALA warmly thanks the Commission for its strong leadership throughout the
modernization proceeding in identifying a clear path to closing the
broadband gap for libraries and schools and ensuring a sustainable E-rate
program. Through the vision of Chairman Wheeler and commitment of the
Commissioners and FCC staff to tackling numerous difficult issues, the
E-rate program is well equipped for the future.

"ALA thanks the E-rate Task Force and our many partners, especially Alan
Fishel, partner at Arent Fox and senior counsel to ALA’s Office for
Information Technology Policy, who provided expertise that shaped our
advocacy at the Commission. They were invaluable in raising the profile of
libraries in this proceeding.

"Today’s vote coupled with the previous order brings ALA’s vision of a 21st
century E-rate program for libraries to fruition. We’re rolling up our
sleeves and look forward to the work ahead in making sure libraries in
every state can take advantage of this unprecedented opportunity."

Fast facts on library broadband usage:

   - Only 2% of libraries are at the FCC’s 1 gigabit goal.
   - Half of all libraries report speeds of 10Mbps or less—only 10% of the
   goal.
   - 1 in 5 rural libraries still report a 1.5Mbps connection.
   - Two thirds of all libraries report they want to increase their
   broadband capacity.

*About the American Library Association*

The American Library Association is the oldest and largest library
association in the world, with approximately 55,000 members in academic,
public, school, government, and special libraries. The mission of the
American Library Association is to provide leadership for the development,
promotion and improvement of library and information services and the
profession of librarianship in order to enhance learning and ensure access
to information for all.




-- 
Suzanne L. Sager
Oregon ALA Representative
Portland State University Library
PO Box 1151
Portland, OR  97207-1151

Phone: 503-725-8169
Fax: 503-725-5799

email: sagers at pdx.edu
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <https://omls.oregon.gov/pipermail/libs-or/attachments/20141212/5b796f18/attachment.html>
-------------- next part --------------
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: image001.png
Type: image/png
Size: 656 bytes
Desc: not available
URL: <https://omls.oregon.gov/pipermail/libs-or/attachments/20141212/5b796f18/attachment.png>