[Libs-Or] New To Use: What is E-rate?

[OLA President]

New To Use: What is E-rate?

February 7, 2022

News to Use
<https://www.olaweb.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=199#NewstoUse>
is a series of messages from the Oregon Library Association’s Library
Development and Legislation Committee (LDLC) about policy and advocacy
topics of interest to the Oregon library community.

The 2022 Oregon Legislative Session convened on February 1 and at the top
of OLA’s priorities is supporting HB 4092
<https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2022R1/Measures/Overview/HB4092>,
the Broadband Omnibus Bill. This bill includes a provision for the creation
of a State E-Rate fund, to be called “Connecting Oregon Libraries.” A
similar fund already exists for schools in Oregon. The Connecting Oregon
Libraries fund would allow libraries who are eligible for federal funding
related to broadband infrastructure through programs such as E-Rate to
receive matching state funds. Please note that this bill does not put any
money in the fund for now; it creates the infrastructure for future funding
after more work is done to assess library needs and identify projects that
can move forward in the next biennium.

Kari May from Jackson County Library Services provided testimony
<https://ola.memberclicks.net/assets/Legislative/HB4092%20Committee%20Testimony.pdf>
on behalf of OLA at the bill’s hearing on February 2, 2022
<https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2022R1/Committees/HERP/2022-02-02-08-00/Agendaf>.
Thank you Kari!

*What is E-Rate, you might ask?* Here is a brief overview.

Purpose:  The universal service Schools and Libraries program, commonly
known as the E-Rate program, helps ensure that schools and libraries can
obtain high-speed internet access and telecommunications at affordable
rates, through discounts on service or equipment invoices OR direct
refunds/rebates.  The program is administered by the Universal Service
Administrative Company (USAC) <https://www.usac.org/e-rate/>.

Eligible Services

Category 1: Broadband infrastructure and connectivity, including WiFi

Category 2: Basic maintenance of internal connections, including hardware,
wiring, and cabling maintenance

Determining Your Library’s ERate reimbursement Rate


Note: If your Legal Service Area encompasses more than one school district,
your discount rate is based on the largest school district in your service
area.

How do you Apply?

It’s complicated, and most of the libraries who participate hire a
consultant to guide them through the process. The E-Rate application
process for libraries includes competitive bidding, applying for discounts,
starting services, and invoicing for discounts.  Each of the process steps
include online filings within USAC’s online E-Rate Productivity Center
(EPC).  Applicants (Libraries) and Service Providers are required to
register with USAC and receive EPC credentials so that appropriate forms
for each step of the process can be filed.  Additional details are provided
in the Application Process Flow Chart available on the USAC Website:
https://www.usac.org/wp-content/uploads/e-rate/documents/Handouts/application-process-flow-chart.pdf
<https://www.usac.org/wp-content/uploads/e-rate/documents/Handouts/application-process-flow-chart.pdf>
and on the main E-Rate page:  https://www.usac.org/e-rate/
<https://www.usac.org/e-rate/>

Barriers to E-Rate

Currently, only about 20% of libraries in the state participate in the
E-Rate program. We’ve heard that many libraries don’t participate because
they don’t have the staff bandwidth to apply, which is why, separate from
supporting HB4092, we are asking the Ways & Means Committee to fund a
full-time E-Rate Coordinator at the State Library to help guide libraries
through the application process.

This is where you come in! To make the case for more support, we need your
help understanding why you don’t participate in the E-Rate program.

   -

   Is it because of the complicated application process?
   -

   Do you lack staff capacity to apply?
   -

   Or you don’t want to filter your internet access, as required by CIPA to
   receive federal funding?
   -

   Would a consultant help change your answer?


We also need stories to share with legislators about what it would take to
improve broadband connectivity at your library.

Please email us at ldlcchair at olaweb.org and let us know!

Want to learn more?

OLA’s position on HB 4092
<https://ola.memberclicks.net/assets/Legislative/Jan%202022%20-%20OLA%20E-rate%20one-pager%20%288%20x%2010%20in%29-2.pdf>
and supporting information for the full omnibus bill can be found on
the Legislative
Committee’s website
<https://www.olaweb.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=199>.

Universal Service Fund for Schools and Libraries (E-Rate) Overview for
Libraries
<https://ola.memberclicks.net/assets/Legislative/TESeRateOverviewLibrary2021.pdf>

E-rate Program <https://www.oregon.gov/library/libraries/Pages/Erate.aspx>
(State Library of Oregon)

E-rate and Universal Service <https://www.ala.org/advocacy/erate> (ALA)

-- 
Arlene Weible
Oregon Library Association President, 2021-2022
olapresident at olaweb.org
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