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Public Libraries & E-Rate

Discount

Libraries get their discount based on the NSLP in the school district in which the main outlet is located. Libraries calculate their own urban/rural status based on their own outlets*, because of this the library discount may not match the school district's discount rate.

*Bookmobile and kiosks count as library outlets.

Rural/Urban Classification

 
  • Based on the 2020 U.S. Census data
  • 50%> of all library outlets are in rural area, the library is classified Rural
  • 50%< of all library outlets are in rural area, the library is classified Urban
  • example: if two libraries are rural and the system has a total of six outlets, the system is classified Urban

Determining the Central Outlet or Main Administrative Branch of a Library

Libraries with outlets/branches in more than one school district must use the total student counts from the school district in which the central outlet or main administrative branch of the library is located. For some libraries - especially those in large cities - identifying the building that would be considered the main branch is straightforward. However, in other situations - rural areas with outlets/branches of similar size and importance, regional library service systems, library consortia (as opposed to consortia of libraries), applicants indicate they are not sure how to determine which library outlet/branch should be considered the main branch.

USAC's suggested guidance is as follows:

 
  1. Where there is an identified and known central outlet or main library branch, use that location.
  2. If no library is identified as the main library branch, use the library location where official library business is transacted or email is sent. However, note that this location cannot be a non-instructional facility (NIF).
  3. If neither of the two preceding options fit the situation, the library can designate one library location as the main library. The library should document its rationale for designating that location as the main library and retain that documentation with its other program documentation so that it can be produced upon request.

Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA)

The Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA), enacted December 21, 2000, requires recipients of federal technology funds to comply with certain Internet filtering and policy requirements. To receive E-Rate funding for Category One Internet access and all Category Two services, you must certify as part of FCC Form 486 that your institution is in compliance with the requirements of CIPA.

Note: In the certifications section of the Form 486, Block 4 number 11 (c), a CIPA compliance exception is made for recipients receiving discount services only for telecommunications services (i.e. transport/circuit only).

Although school districts and libraries are required to filter in order to receive E-Rate funding, filtering appliances themselves are not eligible for funding.

When is CIPA compliance required for IMLS CARES Act or LSTA funded purchases? (ALA Briefing)

 

Library Kiosk

An eligible library kiosk must meet the following criteria:

 
  • Be operated by a library established under Wis. Chapter 43.
  • Have the ability to check out items.
  • Have a collection of physical materials.
  • Have a connection to the ILS.
  • Have a dedicated space.
  • Be owned or leased by the library.
  • Have no paid staff operating it on a daily basis.
  • Be free of charge to the community.