Libraries and Broadband: Urgency and Impact

Institute of Museum and Library Services
April 17, 2014
9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. EDT
http://www.imls.gov/about/broadband_hearing.aspx

A public hearing to examine the need for high speed broadband in America’s libraries. IMLS is conducting this hearing to establish a public record about the impact of high speed broadband connectivity in America’s libraries. It will help inform policy discussions and strategies to support broadband in the nation’s libraries.

Agenda

IMLS Opening Statement

Director Hildreth, joined by members of the National Museum and Library Services Board including, Christie Pearson Brandau of Iowa, Charles Benton of Illinois, Winston Tabb of Maryland, and Carla Hayden also of Maryland.

Welcoming Remarks

• Thomas Wheeler, Chairman, Federal Communications Commission
• Thomas Power, Chief of Staff, National Telecommunications and Information Administration, Department of Commerce (on detail to the Office of Science and Technology Policy, White House, as Deputy Chief Technology Officer for Telecommunications)

Panel One: WHAT’S WORKING

The Vision: What Happens When We Get It Right? This panel will explore innovative practices and partnerships that are serving individuals and communities well.

• Chris Jowaisas, Senior Program Officer, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
• Dionne Mack, Director, El Paso Public Library
• Clarence Anthony, Executive Director, National League of Cities

Panel Two: THE DATA

This panel will explore what we know about broadband connections and services in America’s libraries. What are the metrics that we need to assess whether sufficient connectivity is in place? What are the metrics that can be used to assess success?

• Larra Clark, American Library Association
• Miriam Jorgensen, M.P.P., Ph.D., Research Director, Native Nations Institute, The University of Arizona, and Research Director, Harvard Project on American Indian Economic Development.
• John B. Horrigan, Ph.D., independent communications and technology policy consultant

Panel Three: MOVING FORWARD

This panel will discuss solutions for sufficient connectivity in libraries.

• Gary Wasdin, Executive Director, Omaha Public Library System
• Eric Frederick, Executive Director, Connect Michigan
• Linda Lord, Maine State Librarian

Closing

• Reed Hundt, former Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission

Hearing agenda is subject to change.

The hearing is open to the public, subject to space availability. Written comments for the hearing will be accepted and must be received on or before April 24, 2014, in order to be included in the hearing record. Each comment must include the author’s name and organizational affiliation, if any, and sent to comments@imls.gov. Read full guidance for submitting a testimony

The Institute of Museum and Library Services is charged with advising the President and Congress about the library, museum, and information service needs of the American public.