ALA Proposes Major E-rate Reforms
-- Library Journal, 9/27/2005
In July the Federal Communications Commission announced the most comprehensive review of the E-rate program since it began in 1997. The American Library Association's (ALA) Office for Information Technology Policy (OITP), working with its E-rate Task Force, is proposing two major changes to the program and other short-term fixes. ALA seeks a major restructuring that simplifies all aspects of the program, eliminating several forms and steps, so as not to deter libraries from participation. Also, ALA, as has been discussed, wants the FCC to revise the way in which poverty is measured for libraries. Currently, libraries must calculate their E-rate discounts based on the school district in which the library is located. However, school districts and library service don't always overlap, and the Task Force will suggest a way in which the library's discount can be calculated based on the library's service area. The deadline for filing initial comments with the FCC is October 18. Reply comments can be filed through December 19. ALA is encouraging libraries to file comments now, or after more information is available from ALA.
