WebJunction

The E-Rate - or the Schools and Libraries Universal Service Support Mechanism - provides discounts to assist most schools and libraries in the United States to obtain affordable telecommunications and Internet Access. 

The Schools and Libraries Division of the Universal Service Fund Website contains detailed information about the program, online application forms and up-to-date news.

A good place to begin is the USF's Overview of E-Rate.; you can also find specific information on the application process.

Is it worth your while to apply for e-rate?

Timelines for the application process are variable; some deadlines are fixed, some depend on other dates or actions, and some can be extended. See USAC's deadlines page for information on each.

Another helpful website is E-Rate Central.  This website is dedicated to simplifying the E-Rate Program for Schools, Libraries and Vendors.  Site is hosted by the State E-Rate Coordinators Alliance.

Beginning in 2003, libraries applying for discounts on Internet Access or Internal Connections must comply with the requirements of the Children’s Internet Protection Act.

Brief summary of CIPA Issues by the Connecticut State Library; the basic CIPA requirements.

Other WebJunction material on CIPA 

Technology Plans

The first step for libraries that intend to apply for E-rate discounts is to prepare a technology plan.   This plan sets out how technology will be used to achieve specific library service improvements.  It guides planning and investment – both for E-rate funds and for the other resources needed to take advantage of technology.  Before discounts are provided to applicants, a Schools and Libraries Division (SLD)-certified technology plan approver must approve their technology plans. 

The SLD Certified Technology Plan approver for Connecticut Public Libraries is Sharon Brettschneider.  For assistance in preparing your plan please contact Douglas Lord at  1-800-253-7944 or dlord@cslib.org.   Send your completed plans to Douglas Lord by email or to the Middletown Library Service Center, 786 South Main St., Middletown, CT  06457.

Technology plans are NOT required for 'basic telephone service'; this includes:

• 800 service
• Centrex
• Local phone service
• Long distance telephone service
• POTS
• Wireless telephone service (cellular and PCS)
• Voice mail services

Notes:

• Technology Plans are valid for a maximum of three years. 
• If your plan has expired you are no longer eligible for E-Rate discounts. Technology plans must be written before the Form 470 is filed and must be approved before the Form 486 is filed or discounted services begin (whichever is earlier); generally this means on or before July 1 of the new funding year.
• Technology plans must cover the entire period (usually 12 months) that discounted services will be delivered
• Common services for which technology plans are needed include: OC-3, Frame Relay, ISDN, PBXs, Internet Access, Internal Connections, and Basic Maintenance.

Connecticut State Library Checklist for Approval of Library Technology Plans

Universal Service Fund Guidance on Developing a Technology Plan 

Universal Service Fund Technology Planning FAQ  A few of USAC's Tips on Technology Planning include:

• Use each required area as a heading in your plan and address that area under the heading.
• Print a copy of your certified approval for your records; retain all documents for at least five years.
• Ensure the library's technology plan is approved for the entire period that discounted services will be delivered.

Florida State Library tech plan help  It includes a 27-page “Technology Planning Made Easy” and 2 Florida sample plans.

North Carolina State Library inventory/planning tool 

Other CT.Webjunction Technology Plan Resources

Learn about USAC's HATS (Helping Applicants to Succeed) initiative.

Site visits are of three kinds; selective review, full audits (more on full audits), and expanded outreach site visits.

 
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons License.