Libraries

New Research Finds Extending School, Library Networks Key to Connecting Households

The Schools, Health & Libraries Broadband (SHLB) Coalition and New America’s Open Technology Institute (OTI) released

The Public Library Association awards $1.1 million to 160 public libraries for digital literacy workshops 

The Public Library Association (PLA) has selected 160 public libraries to host digital literacy workshops across the country.

FCC Announces Nearly $68 Million in Emergency Connectivity Funding

The Federal Communications Commission announced it is committing nearly $68 million in two new funding rounds through the Emergency Connectivity Program, which provides digital services for students in communities across the US. These funding commitments support applications from all three

Treasury approves Delaware’s plan to invest $40.3 million in nine libraries to provide communities with public access to the internet

The US Department of the Treasury approved Delaware’s plan to invest $40.3 million of Capital Projects Fund funding in nine libraries to provide communities with public access to the internet and expanded resources. Delaware’s plan states that each of the library projects will provide access to highspeed internet for community members who may lack access in their homes. Capital Projects Fund dollars will be used to construct new or expand existing libraries in Delaware to meet the needs of identified communities.

FCC Announces $77 Million In Emergency Connectivity Funding

The Federal Communications Commission committed over $77 million in two new funding rounds through the Emergency Connectivity Program, helping to close the Homework Gap. These latest funding rounds are part of an ongoing support from the program, which launched in 2021 and has provided schools and libraries three different “application windows,” for schools and libraries to apply for support.

Hennepin County, Minnesota, libraries tackle tech disparities

Countless people come to Minneapolis (MN) Central Library to check out a book, surf the web or even escape the hot summer air. Library staff is nearby – waiting to serve you in any way possible so you can leave with your needs met, even if those needs take a little longer to figure out. Hennepin County (MN) employees like Crystal Hunter-Porte have been learning about the problems impacting the people who walk through the doors. Some days it's the heat, but other days, it's access to the internet.

New York libraries check out CBRS as Wi-Fi alternative

In New York City (NY), students without broadband access face additional challenges given the reduced number of parking lots and places more rural students have been forced to go to get wi-fi during the pandemic. “A number of donors offered to help fund initiatives to extend Wi-Fi,” remembers Garfield Swaby, vice president for information technology at the New York Public Library. But Swaby knew Wi-Fi wasn’t the answer. “I don’t know if it would be able to get off the sidewalk,” he said.

FCC Announces Over $266 Million in Emergency Connectivity Funding

The Federal Communications Commission announced it is committing over $266 million in two new funding rounds through the Emergency Connectivity Program, helping to close the Homework Gap. The funding supports applications from all three of the program’s application windows, supporting over 1 million students across the country, including in Delaware, Maryland, Mississippi, New Mexico, New York, and Oregon. Over $12 million from the first and second application windows will provide support in the upcoming school year for approximately 15 schools, 2 libraries, and 1 consortium.

Rep Schneider Reintroduces Legislation to Make Online Resources Available to LGBTQ Students

Rep Brad Schneider (D-IL) re-introduced legislation to ensure critical online LGBTQ resources are not blocked at schools and public libraries. Currently, public schools and libraries that receive discounted telecommunications and internet rates through the Federal Communication Commission E-Rate Program must enforce an internet safety policy that in some cases leads to the blocking of useful LGBTQ resources.

Teacher Perceptions of One-to-One Laptop Implementation: Suggestions for the Role of School Librarians

The purpose of this study was to examine variables related to teachers’ perceptions of the impact of a one-to-one laptop program on learning. This study used a survey designed to determine the teachers’ self-reported level of technology adoption, demographic variables, professional development needs, and perception of the impact of one-to-one laptop availability on student academic performance. Findings indicate that most teachers identified themselves as Early Majority Adopters.

FCC And Institute Of Museum And Library Services Sign Agreement To Promote Broadband Access

Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel and Crosby Kemper, Director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to jointly promote public awareness of federal funding opportunities for broadband. Through this MOU, the FCC and IMLS will focus on communities where broadband access is particularly challenging, such as rural areas and Tribal lands. The joint effort will include commitments to:

FCC Announces Over $2.8 Billion In Funding Requests For Final Window In Ongoing Work To Close The Homework Gap

The Federal Communications Commission has received requests for $2,814,736,532 in the third application filing window of the Emergency Connectivity Fund program to fund 5,120,453 connected devices and 4,285,794 broadband connections. Applications will be prioritized to fund schools and libraries with the greatest need first, with a preference for schools and libraries located in rural areas.

Applications Open for the Public Library Association Digital Literacy Workshop Incentive

The Public Library Association (PLA) is now accepting applications for public libraries to receive funding to conduct digital literacy workshops using DigitalLearn resources. The PLA Digital Literacy Workshop Incentive Program, supported by AT&T, provides up to $7,000 to support outreach and training in local communities.

FCC Commits Nearly $39 Million In Emergency Broadband Connectivity Fund Support

The Federal Communications Commission committed nearly $39 million in the 14th wave of Emergency Connectivity Fund program support, helping to close the Homework Gap. This latest round of funding is supporting 140 schools, 14 libraries, and 1 consortium across the country, including for students in California, Georgia, Hawaii, Kentucky, Michigan, New York, Puerto Rico, and Virginia. The funding can be used to support off-campus learning, such as nightly homework, to ensure students across the country have the necessary support to keep up with their education.

Federal Universal Service Support Mechanisms Fund Size Projections for Third Quarter 2022

Fund size and administrative cost projections for the third quarter of calendar year 2022 (3Q2022). USAC projects a consolidated budget of $61.60 million for 3Q2022.

FCC’s Competitive Bidding Proposal Won’t Help Schools/Libraries, SHLB Says

In comments filed with the Federal Communications Commission, the Schools, Health & Libraries Broadband (SHLB) Coalition encouraged the FCC not to move forward with its proposed changes to the competitive bidding process for the E-rate program.

FCC Opens 3rd Filing Window for Emergency Connectivity Fund

Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel announced the opening of a third application filing window to award at least $1 billion in Emergency Connectivity Fund support to help close the Homework Gap. From April 28, 2022 until May 13, 2022, eligible schools and libraries can submit requests for funding to purchase eligible equipment and services between July 1, 2022, and December 31, 2023.

FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel Responds to Lawmakers Regarding Potential Changes to the E-Rate Program

Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Rosenworcel sent letters to four House members on April 7, 2022, to respond to their letter on proposed changes to the E-rate competitive bidding process. Rosenworcel said the FCC has begun a rulemaking to consider improvements to the competitive bidding process. She also said funding has been made available to support students’ off-campus learning needs through the Emergency Connectivity Fund and the Emergency Broadband Benefit programs.

SHLB Announces Broadband Policy Priorities for 2022

The Schools, Health & Libraries Broadband (SHLB) Coalition published its 2022 Policy Roadmap, outlining the 10 policy priorities that shape its advocacy in 2022. In brief, the SHLB Coalition will focus on the following policy priorities in 2022: 

Impact of Modernization on the E‐rate Competitive Bidding Process: Funding Years 2017 to 2021

To receive E-Rate support, applicants must follow specific procedures established by the Federal Communications Commission and use an online portal called EPC. Applicants use the EPC system to notify vendors of Requests for Proposals (RFPs), report the results of their local competitive bidding process, and submit funding requests to USAC, the E‐rate program administrator. The purpose of this white paper is to provide data and applicant feedback about the performance of the current system.

Tucson, Arizona, Coalition Builds Around Broadband and Digital Equity

Tucson Connected, a public-private partnership in Arizona, aims to link the digital inclusion efforts of several entities in a unified effort to reach residents. The project, which launched in the fall of 2021, is meant to unify a number of entities with a stake in increasing regional digital equity and address the barriers impeding Internet adoption. The coalition’s primary focus will be identifying barriers and connecting stakeholders to available subsidies.

FCC Announces Third Application Window And New Emergency Connectivity Fund Commitments

The Federal Communications Commission announced that it is opening a third application filing window to award at least $1 billion in Emergency Connectivity Fund support. The third application filing window will open on April 28, 2022 and close on May 13, 2022. During this third application filing window, eligible schools and libraries can submit requests for funding to purchase eligible equipment and services between July 1, 2022, and December 31, 2023.

Keeping Communities Connected: Library Broadband Services During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The American Library Association released its new report "Keeping Communities Connected: Library Broadband Services During the COVID-19 Pandemic." Key takeaways include:

FCC Commits Another $86 Million In Emergency Connectivity Funding To Support Students And Libraries And Help Close The Homework Gap

The Federal Communications Commission is committing over $86 million in the 10th wave of Emergency Connectivity Fund program support. Since its June 2021 launch, the program has committed over $4.62 billion supporting all 50 states, Guam, Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the District of Columbia.