ULC RESEARCH RESULTS ON E-RATE FILED WITH FCC

Last week, ULC filed new research on large library systems with the FCC. The report shows the largest 5% (by size or by usage) of library systems support 63% of total Wi-Fi users in public libraries. For these large systems, square footage alone is not an equitable predictor of Wi-Fi costs.The study, commissioned by ULC and undertaken by a Stanford University researcher, is based on data collected by the Institute of Museum and Library Services on public libraries and has been shared with them.

all public libraries - urban, suburban, towns and rural communities. In addition to the research, our filing asks the FCC to consider what is needed to create an E-rate system that serves all libraries no matter size or location. 

ULC strongly believes equitable access to adequate E-rate funds across all types of public libraries is essential to building healthy communities across the United States. Read the letter (PDF) from Susan Benton, ULC president and CEO, that was part of the filing.

GOVERNOR PENS LETTER TO OBAMA URGING E-RATE SUPPORT

Connecticut Governor Daniel Malloy recently wrote President Obama to thank him and the FCC for the recent order involving the modernization of E-rate.

In regards to the upcoming FCC proceeding, Malloy noted that E-rate is a "topic of equality and opportunity." Further, Malloy wrote, "My goal for Connecticut is to ensure that robust Internet access is available to every student and teacher in every school and to every person in every library. Internet access in our schools and libraries should be as reliable and fast as in businesses and homes on the leading edge of Internet connectivity. Specifically, I would like to see one gigabit per second connectivity to every school and library building, and at least five megabit per second Wi-Fi connectivity in every room in these buildings at time of peak use.

Malloy adds, "In addition, I would like to see every school and library connected to each other, so that they can share digitized material." Read the letter here (PDF).

One Week to Apply for Knight News Challenge on Libraries

The Knight News Challenge on Libraries is open for entries through 5:00 pm ET, September 30, 2014. The Knight Foundation will award 2.5 million to support the best, most innovative ideas that address this question:  "How might we leverage libraries as a platform to build more knowledgeable communities?" For interested parties, Knight has posted a FAQ blog. Also, check out the ideas that others - from all corners - are submitting. 

ULC Partners With the National Summer Learning Association

Banned Books By the Numbers

In recognition of Banned Books Week (September 21-27, 2014), the Huffington Post is publishing highlights that illustrate how people and communities are impacted by censorship.  This post, "Banned Books by the Numbers,"  includes infographics that chart statistics on book banning, including the most frequently challenged titles since 2013.

Great Stuff:  Make it Personal

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The Marin County Free Library is recognized as a key reason that Marin County has been voted California's best county to live in by Movoto, a real estate website. In addition, a promotional video, "5 Things You May Not Know About the Marin County Library," helped Marin County win top honors in a national competition that recognizes excellence in municipal publicity campaigns.  Congratulations!

The Chicago Public Library Foundation, sponsor of Mayor Rahm Emmanuel's Summer Learning Challenge, has announced that Chicago's children exceeded their goal by reading 2.7 million books during summer 2013.  83,000 children and youth are on record for reading 66 million minutes. Watch Jimmy Fallon  make good on his promise to bring The Tonight Show to Chicago if the City's youth met the challenge.