Library Technology & E-Rate Resources

The information provided here is intended to assist Florida public libraries in providing electronic and Internet services to the communities they serve and to assist them in obtaining the "E-Rate" telecommunications discounts provided pursuant to the Federal Telecommunications Act of 1996.

Technology Planning and Procurement

The information presented is intended to assist Florida librarians in developing effective technology plans to meet eligibility requirements of the federal E-Rate telecommunications discount program.

• Library Technology Planning Page
  The information presented is intended to assist Florida librarians in developing effective technology plans to meet eligibility requirements of the Federal E-Rate telecommunications discount program.
• Library Technology & Telecommunications Procurement Page
  The information presented here is to assist Florida public libraries in procuring technology and telecommunications services and receiving the greatest possible E-Rate discounts.
• Technology Assessment Form (247KB MSWord .doc)
  Though not mandatory, this form can help by making sure you touch on areas needed for e-rate certification and audits.

E-Rate Web Resources

The following links are to sources of information on the Federal Universal Service Program for schools and libraries.

• 2014 Florida Public Library E-Rate Discounts (66KB PDF, 2 pages )
• 2013 Florida Public Library E-Rate Discounts (49KB PDF, 2 pages )
• Schools and Libraries Division (SLD) of the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC)
  This is the main E-Rate site provided by the SLD which administers the E-Rate program. Provided here are program rules and guidelines, status reports, and the online application process.
• American Library Association Office for Information Technology Policy
  This site provides useful E-Rate and E-Rate advocacy information and links.
• Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Universal Service Page
  The FCC site provides FCC Orders and rules that govern the E-Rate program.
• National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC)
  The NARUC site provides information about developments at the State level regarding Universal Service and other telecommunications issues. NARUC also is an excellent source of information for tracking FCC actions on telecom related issues.
• E-rate Application Process Overview Flowchart
  The Universal Service Administrative Company provides a flowchart overview of the E-Rate application process.
• E-Rate Central
  E-Rate Central is sponsored by the New York Education Department and is dedicated to simplifying the E-Rate application process.

Last updated October 12, 2012

Email Dan Lhotka, Dan.Lhotka@dos.MyFlorida.com, with Questions or Comments

External site not maintained by the Department of State.