[Publib] RE: Library Technology Plans - summer project

[James Casey]

-----Original Message-----
From: SIMINITUS, JACQUELYN E (ATTPB) [mailto:js8295 at att.com]
Sent: Friday, June 20, 2008 12:49 PM
To: James Casey; publib at webjunction.org
Subject: RE: Library Technology Plans - summer project

Not sure why you say E-RATE is a competitive application process.  All
Priority 1 categories, Telecommunications and Internet Access are funded
each year -- assuming forms are filled out in an accurate and timely
manner and the library doesn't apply for ineligible items.  Are you
referring to Priority 2 categories, Internal Connections and Basic
Maintenance, which are for applicants in the most needy communities?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Jackie:

Why do I say that the E-Rate is a "competitive application process"?

If a Library doesn't have the staff time or staff expertise available to get their paperwork completed correctly and on time and within the strictures of the program, they don't get the REBATE.

With a strenuously bureaucratic REBATE system, needy Libraries must pay the $2,000 up front and only if they have the ability and time to jump through the paperwork hoops do they get back the $1,000 after the year has finished and the check finally comes. How much money in terms of staff time has to be expended in order to complete paperwork and "qualify" for a REBATE?

Why shouldn't Libraries in economically depressed areas (as identified by Census Data) be designated by the program as eligible for DISCOUNTS and just get those DISCOUNTS directly from the companies providing the telecommunications and broadband services?  Instead of paying $2,000 for the service, you only pay $1,000 because your institution has been designated by Census data to be in an economically depressed area.  You get the DISCOUNT because your Library has been identified in advance as needy.

James B. Casey --- My own views.