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Library staff brief trustees on E‑Rate opportunity and CIPA requirements; board open to further study
Summary
Digital services librarian outlined potential for a 90% E‑Rate discount for Churchill County Library, explained the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) compliance steps and timeline, and recommended the board consider an internet safety policy and filtering technology before applying.
Tom Patterson, digital information services librarian for Churchill County Library, told the board on Oct. 16 that the library may be eligible for E‑Rate funding that could cover up to 90% of its internet costs.
"You guys like free money?" Patterson said as he opened his presentation, then explained that E‑Rate is administered through the Universal Service Administrative Company and the Federal Communications Commission and is funded by the federal universal service charge on telecom bills. "The rate for Churchill County this year is 90%." He said that, at that discount, the library could save roughly $3,000 a year on its internet bill.
Patterson said the program uses filing windows (last year’s ran Jan. 15 to March 26) and that the application process requires two forms…
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