View Project

G2S Project Code: 2022-AR-91254
State: Arkansas
Fiscal Year: 2022
Grantee
Arkansas State Library

Project Director
Director Name: Amber Gregory
Director Phone: 501-682-8576
Director Email: amber.gregory@ade.arkansas.gov
General Information
Title: E-rate & Technology Support
State Project Code: 11
Start Date: 10/01/2022
End Date: 09/30/2023
Abstract: The E-Rate and technology support project assisted Arkansas public libraries with the acquisition of robust broadband internet access to support patron and staff technology use.The Manager of E-Rate Services worked to encourage participation, provide training, and directly assist libraries in the Universal Service program for Schools and Libraries, commonly known as “E-Rate” and the Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF) program. The project assisted libraries in applying for discounts on internet access and internal connections equipment to keep pace with current and emerging technologies (E-Rate) and to connect patrons from home or other locations outside of the library (ECF). All library applicants met deadlines and essential funding for broadband access and network equipment was committed to applicant libraries. Project also included collaboration with stakeholders to plan for Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) and Digital Equity Act (DEA) funding.
State Goal: Enhance the Technological Environment of Arkansas Libraries
Budget Information
LSTA
MATCH-State
MATCH-Other
Total
$3,914.00
$161,554.00
$0.00
$165,468.00
Intent(s)
Improve library's physical and technology infrastructure.
Broadband adoption
Systems & Technologies
Activities
Activity Details
Title: E-Rate Support
Narrative: E-Rate training and support was targeted at public library staff and trustees.Consultation and training on the E-Rate application process and timeline, program rules, Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA) compliance,and technology was offered. The Manager of E-Rate Services worked one-on-one with individual applicants to fill out E-Rate forms correctly, respond to Program Integrity Assurance (PIA) questions pre-commitment, and navigate service provider paperwork to initiate discounts post-commitment. Assistance was provided with communication between individual library applicants and the Universal Service Administrative Company(USAC) during the application, review, invoice, and appeals processes. Similar assistance was provided in support of the Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF), a program like E-Rate, focused on connecting unconnected patrons when not at the library. The Manager of E-Rate Services serves as past chair of the American Library Association's (ALA) E-Rate Task Force (ERTF), a small group of state E-Rate coordinators who work closely with ALA, USAC and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on E-Rate matters. The Manager serves on the USAC Board of Directors as the representative for libraries.
Intent: Improve library's physical and technology infrastructure.

Activity: Instruction
Mode: Consultation/drop-in/referral
Format: Virtual


Quantity
Total number of consultation/reference transactions: 169
Average number of consultation/reference transactions per month: 14


Partner Information
Organization Type of Partner Organization(s):
Libraries: No
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: 124
Academic Libraries: 0
SLAA: 0
Consortia: 0
Special Libraries: 0
School Libraries: 0
Other: 0
Project Outcomes
Project Outcomes
List any important outcomes or findings not previously reported:
Participation in the E-Rate program by Arkansas public libraries remained steady. Statewide, improvements in the broadband landscape have benefited local libraries. E-Rate allows libraries to afford faster speeds when they become available. The Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF) continued to support Hot Spot and connected device lending for libraries allowing them to help connect patrons who don't otherwise have internet access and/or a connected device.
Please briefly describe the importance of these outcomes and findings for future program planning:
E-Rate continues to play a significant role in increasing broadband speed and updating network equipment for Arkansas public libraries. During the pandemic, usage of library networks, especially library WiFi transmitted outside the building onto library property, became a priority as libraries adapted to meet patron needs. As a result, many libraries are examining their internal network setup and capabilities. ECF funding was used to build and expand Hot Spot and connected device lending programs. In advance of the sunset of the ECF program in June 2024, libraries are able to use ECF data to analyze demand, usage, and costs for hot spot/connected device lending programs.
Explain one or two of the most significant lessons learned for others wanting to adopt any facets of this project:
Libraries continue to assist in connecting patrons to the internet for library services and programs while enabling learners of all ages to gain digital skills, both inside and outside the library. We have seen an increase in collaboration between community anchor institutions, state and local government, businesses, and interested stakeholders around broadband expansion, affordability, and digital skills training to bridge the digital divide. This work continues as we emerge from the pandemic and communities work to improve the broadband landscape with state and federal funding.
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:

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