The Economic Stimulus Package: Updates on Broadband and Beyond
Norman Oder -- Library Journal, 4/16/2009 2:15:00 PM
- At ULC audio conference, collaboration advised
- Application period may begin soon
- ALA's Sheketoff, DCPL's Cooper offer guidance
How can libraries benefit from the federal economic stimulus package? During an audio conference Tuesday sponsored by the Urban Libraries Council, much of the discussion concerned how libraries can ensure they get part of the $7.2 billion in broadband grants and loans. Speakers included the District of Columbia Public Library's chief librarian, Ginnie Cooper, and Emily Sheketoff, executive director of ALA's Washington Office. The American Library Association (ALA), which has already advised a “Top Ten” tactics to prepare for broadband funding, this week filed comments regarding the role of libraries.
While ALA did not address what percentage of the funds should go to libraries, according to Sheketoff it did stress that every library be part of “an anchor institution” in the community, a hub for broadband. She noted that Microsoft suggested that half of the $7.2 billion go to schools, libraries, and hospitals.
“If you are not in that position [to be an anchor],” Sheketoff said, “you need to get ready,” establishing relationships with other groups. She said that libraries should stress how broadband access would help meet people’s job, career, and small business needs.
Time to move
According to Sheketoff, federal guidance could be issued within two weeks, with as a brief as a four-week window to respond. “You need to get the groundwork done now, and you need to think big,” she said, noting that the two agencies running the broadband program—the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the Rural Utilities Service (RUS)—are understaffed and likely will only consider large grants.
“We absolutely know that individual libraries are not going to be big enough,” she said. “You’ve got to start collaborating with others.” Some regional library cooperatives may be large enough to put together, say, a $300 million application (should that be the minimum), but many would not be, so they’d have to find a larger group of partners.
Can collaborations cross state lines? Sheketoff said the rules haven’t been issued. When guidance emerges, she stressed, check the ALA’s Know Your Stimulus web site.
What’s the definition of broadband? Sheketoff suggested that it would be a minimum of 100 mbs, but warned that, as applications become more bandwidth-intensive, that may not be enough in multi-user environments.
In DC, reaching out
DCPL's Cooper, who is also the district’s State Librarian, said she had taken ALA advice that identified ways in which libraries could benefit from stimulus funding and informed DC’s head budget officer and administrator, who hadn’t recognized how libraries might fit in.
Cooper said that DCPL had contributed to the city’s proposals for broadband funds: “If we have our way, we’ll be the major way this gets distributed.” DCPL seeks support for a variety of broadband-related elements, including equipment for computer training and facility upgrades to make better use of broadband.
Working with the city’s Department of the Environment, DCPL proposed nearly $3 million in energy-efficient projects from which it could benefit. “We’re talking already about [hiring] senior workers” though the stimulus funding, Cooper said. She added that DCPL is talking with colleagues at public schools, asking if funds aimed at schools could support more online resources at the library.
General support
Can library hours be supported? Perhaps, Sheketoff said. Governors have $8.8 billion in block grants they can use for “other government services,” so librarians can try to make the case for funding, especially since the federal funds can plug budget gaps elsewhere.
Instead of bemoaning that there isn’t a category for direct funding for public libraries, Cooper suggested library advocates should make sure libraries get a share of money going to others. “I’m hoping we’ll find a real benefit to the partnerships we’ve established with others in government and nonprofit sector,” she said.
"We know we’re all seeing our use increase,” Cooper said, asserting that stimulus funding “is the federal government’s way of making sure we’re there to provide that service.”
