Gates Foundation Boosts Library Broadband Efforts
Funding supports state-level efforts to 1) improve library Internet connections and 2) apply for federal broadband stimulus funds
Norman Oder -- Library Journal, 12/01/2009
- Help with upgraded connections, E-rate application
- Help with BTOP applications
- Major need for more bandwidth
As demand for library Internet access continues to grow, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has announced two plans to help libraries improve broadband connections: one involves state broadband improvement plans; the other offers help with getting federal broadband stimulus funds.
Five states will get a total of nearly $3.4 million in grants to implement local broadband improvement plans, including upgraded connections and increased participation rates in the federal E-rate discount program. Arkansas, Kansas, Massachusetts, New York, and Virginia were selected, Gates said, because of the large number of libraries needing high-speed Internet access. The state libraries of California and Texas, which also participated in the program, will be eligible for grants in early 2010.
“With support from the foundation, nearly all of Massachusetts’s public libraries will be able to provide high-quality broadband service for their communities and give patrons the online opportunities they need to improve their lives, especially during these strained economic times,” said Robert Maier, director of the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners, in the Gates press release.
Broadband program
Gates announced partnerships with 14 states—Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, Idaho, Kentucky, Montana, North Carolina, Nebraska, New Jersey, Oklahoma, Utah, Vermont, and Washington—in the foundation’s new Opportunity Online broadband grant program.
These states will receive technical and consulting assistance in developing funding proposals for the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s (NTIA) Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP), and will get federally-required matching funds from the Gates Foundation if they get BTOP awards. The states also will get help with E-rate funding.
Starting in a few months, the BTOP will be awarding federal stimulus grants to a variety of private and public sector applicants.
“Libraries have never faced so much demand for high-quality Internet access,” said Susan McVey, director of the Oklahoma Department of Libraries, according to the press release. “It’s critical that current efforts to expand broadband access in America include strong support for public libraries so they can continue to serve as thriving, vital community technology hubs.”
