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G2S Project Code: 2020-LA-84822
State: Louisiana
Fiscal Year: 2020
Grantee
State Library of Louisiana

Project Director
Director Name: Meg Placke
Director Phone: 225-342-4923
Director Email: mplacke@slol.lib.la.us
General Information
Title: E-Rate Training and Support
State Project Code:
Start Date: 10/01/2019
End Date: 09/30/2021
Abstract: The State Library provided advice, instruction, and support to public library staff on the E-rate program, a program through which the Schools and Libraries Division of the Universal Service Fund makes discounts available to eligible schools and libraries for Internet access and internal connections.  With these discounts, Louisiana public libraries were able to offer free Internet services, both wired and wireless, to their communities.
State Goal: Public Libraries
Budget Information
LSTA
MATCH-State
MATCH-Other
Total
$0.00
$7,271.00
$0.00
$7,271.00
Intent(s)
Improve library's physical and technology infrastructure.
Broadband adoption
Activities
Activity Details
Title: Training and Support
Narrative:

The State Library provided advice, instruction, and support to public library staff on the E-rate program. State Library staff assisted Louisiana public libraries throughout the E-rate process and monitored changes in procedures and rules for the program.  Louisiana libraries saved the state an estimated $4 million annually by participating in the program. A webinar was held by the State E-rate Coordinator with 26 attending.


Intent: Improve library's physical and technology infrastructure.

Activity: Instruction
Mode: Consultation/drop-in/referral
Format: Combined in-person & virtual


Quantity
Total number of consultation/reference transactions: 4,283
Average number of consultation/reference transactions per month: 357


Partner Information
Organization Type of Partner Organization(s):
Libraries: Yes
Historical Societies or Organizations: No
Museums: No
Archives: No
Cultural Heritage Organization Multi-type: No
Preschools: No
Schools: No
Adult Education: No
Human Service Organizations: No
Other: No


Legal Type of Partner Organization(s):
Federal Government: No
State Government: No
Local Government (excluding school districts): No
School District: No
Non-Profit: No
Private Sector: No
Tribe/Native Hawaiian Organization: No


Beneficiaries
Is the activity directed at the library workforce: Yes
For a targeted group or for the general population: General


Locale
Is the activity state-wide: Yes
Specific Locations: No
Library Types
Public Libraries: 340
Academic Libraries: 0
SLAA: 1
Consortia: 0
Special Libraries: 0
School Libraries: 0
Other: 0
Project Outcomes
Project Outcomes
List any important outcomes or findings not previously reported:
E-rate continued to be a crucial program for Louisiana public libraries due to the tremendous cost savings. The discounts provided allowed libraries to increase bandwidth and make necessary technological infrastructure improvements. All of the main libraries in the state have an internet connection that is at least 10 mbps or more; this is a necessity for a state where 25% of the households do not have Internet access. This has been apparent during the pandemic. With e-rate, libraries were able to strengthen connections and bandwidth outside of the building so that our users could access all of these resources from the library parking lots and outside areas, even when closed. State Library staff offered extensive one-on-one help to public libraries, guiding the libraries through every step of the E-rate application process. With the passage of ARPA and additional funds for broadband through the Emergency Connectivity Funds program (ECF), the State Library has also assisted libraries in understanding and applying for this funding.
Please briefly describe the importance of these outcomes and findings for future program planning:
Louisiana public libraries benefitted from the E-rate program, and the State Library's continued assistance and support were necessary to enable public libraries to navigate the changes to the program and to continue to increase and improve technology and Internet services. Broadband infrastructure and access are critical in today's world. Louisiana libraries have addressed this for years: the lack of access for many of our citizens. E-rate continues to be a priority for libraries to afford to bring this access to our citizens.
Explain one or two of the most significant lessons learned for others wanting to adopt any facets of this project:
Once on the cutting edge of providing patron access computers and dedicated Internet access in all libraries, the State Library remains proactive in regards to technology and in supporting the libraries by helping with the e-rate filing process from beginning to end. The State Library provided hands-on help as well as IT staff expertise as it worked with libraries throughout the application process. This has resulted in better bandwidth and network infrastructure across the state's libraries. One lesson learned over the years is that each library must be served and advised individually on both its Category 1 and Category 2 applications. While some progress can be made via workshops and written directions, it requires individualized attention to each library application to make it successful. State Library staff set up individual appointments with each library while preparing its application. Complex authentication processes for the access portal continue to make it difficult for state e-rate coordinators to provide this individual attention which is so crucial. This has been especially difficult in a year with library staff and directors working from home and dealing with multiple closures from the pandemic and weather events. While moving to online has made some of the process easier, the online system still has many bugs and glitches that make it difficult and arduous for libraries to apply for and receive E-rate and has limited access and the ability for state e-rate coordinators to assist them.
Do you anticipate continuing this project after the current reporting period ends:
Yes
Do you anticipate any change in level of effort in managing this project:
No
Explain:
The new USAC online portal is requiring much more support and help is much more time-consuming.
Do you anticipate changing the types of activities and objectives addressed by the project:
No
Explain:

Was an evaluation conducted for this project:
No
Was a final written evaluation report produced:
No
Can the final written evaluation report be shared publicly on the IMLS website:
No
Was the evaluation conducted by project staff (either SLAA or local library) or by a third-party evaluator:
Third-Party
What data collection tools were used for any report outcomes and outputs:
Did you collect any media for the data:
What types of methods were used to analyze collected data:
Other:
How were participants (or items) selected:
What type of research design did you use to compare the value for any reported output or outcome:
Exemplary: No
Exemplary Narrative
Project Tags: e-rate, technology, broadband