E-Rate 2013 for Libraries

An Infopeople Online Learning Course

Dates: Tuesday, Dec 11, 2012 - Monday, Jan 21, 2013

Fee: Free. This online course is made possible by an Opportunity Online Grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to the California State Library and is free to the California library community.

Instructors: Don Dietrich and Carol Underriner

Since 1998 The Federal E-Rate program has provided funding for libraries to upgrade their telecommunications and Internet access capabilities. For many years the E-Rate process was so complicated that only about half of the eligible libraries in California participated in the program. Recent changes have made the program easier and simpler. This workshop will help libraries with the application process and provides lots of 'hints and tips' to guarantee success with the E-Rate program.

Is your library taking full advantage of the E-Rate program?

• How does your situation compare with other libraries in California and how could you improve E-Rate funding performance?
• Would you like to understand the requirements and payback of E-Rate?
• Did you know that E-Rate and CTF (California Teleconnect Fund) can work together to provide maximum financial benefits to your library?
• Did you know that E-Rate funding is available for your telephone expenses even if you do not comply with CIPA and that in most cases a Technology Plan is no longer required?

Course Description: Whether you are completely new or a seasoned veteran of the E-rate program, this four week online course will provide you with the knowledge and tools to get the funding your library is entitled to with a minimum of geek speak. By the end of the four online sessions you will have started filling out your 2013 E-Rate application and you will have a plan to collect the information you need for completion. Several "E-Rate Tools" are provided including handouts and templates for making E-Rate as simple as possible.

Preliminary Course Outline: Using an Internet connection and web browser, you will log in to the Infopeople online learning site and complete the following learning modules:

• Week 1 – E-Rate Fundamentals (SLD Applicant Steps included: Before You Begin & Step 1)
  • Annual Cycle and Basic Forms Required
  • SLD Website Tour
  • Tech Plans
  • CIPA
  • Budget
  • Priorities
  • Categories
  • Eligible Items
• Week 2 – Filing Form 470 (SLD Applicant Steps included: Step 2 and Step 3)
  • Elements required for Form 470
  • 28 Day waiting period, evaluating responses
  • State Master Contracts
  • CALnet2
  • CUSF/CTF
• Week 3 – Filing Form 471 (SLD Applicant Steps included: Step 4 and Step 5)
  • Evaluating the Responses
  • Vendor Selection
  • Calculating Discounts
  • Filing the 471
  • Filing Item 21s
  • PIA Review
• Week 4 – Approval and Acceptance (SLD Applicant Steps included: Step 6, Step 7, Before You’re Done)
  • Funding Commitment
  • Filing Form 486
  • Starting Discounts
  • Record Keeping

Time Required: To complete this course, you can expect to spend two hours per week, for a total of eight course hours. Each week's module contains readings, assignments and discussions.Although you can work on each module at your own pace, at any hour of the day or night, it is recommended that you complete each week's work within that week to stay in sync with other learners.

Who Should Take This Course: Anyone from the California public library community with an interest in or responsibility for E-Rate should attend this workshop. The workshop is also open to staff from CLSA systems.

Online Learning Details and System Requirements may be found at: infopeople.org/training/online_learning_details.

Course Start: This online learning course starts on Tuesday, Dec 11, 2012.

After the official end date for the course, the instructor will be available for limited consultation and support for two more weeks, and the course material will stay up for an additional two weeks after that. These extra weeks give those who have fallen behind time to work independently to complete the course.

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