Mala Muralidaharan, Arizona Broadband for Education Initiative - Erate Administrator for Public Libraries, Arizona State Library Archives and Public Records

1. Arizona Education Broadband Initiative: Maximizing E-
rate for Schools & Libraries

2. Arizona Broadband Initiative:
Maximizing E-rate for Schools & Libraries
• Josh Chisholm – Education Superhighways
• Mala Muralidharan – Arizona State Library
Moderated by Nicole Umayam –
Digital Inclusion Librarian
Arizona State Library

3. Why is Broadband Important for
Schools and Libraries?
LIBRARIES
 Patrons have low speed or no internet at homes;
Reason - affordability or availability,
 Patrons have little or no awareness of benefits of broadband, or
have a low level of digital literacy.
 Libraries provide digital literacy training, safe online practices,
and social media use and employment related assistance.
 Libraries provide access to millions of dollars worth e-resources,
home-work.
 Libraries are early adopters of technology and offer training
related to using new technology devices, and in many rural areas
showcase latest technologies
 Patrons use of Library Wi-Fi in various ways.
FQ

4. Why is Broadband Important for
Schools and Libraries?
SCHOOLS
 Hundreds of students, teachers and parents all simultaneously
connecting to the school internet
 All teachers assign class and home-work research where they
have to use internet
 Students enrolling in online classes offered by another academic
institution or teacher anywhere in the world.
 Online Labs like Labster where one can do experiments without
the capex of a laboratory infrastructure.
 Schools using e-resources through their libraries
 Future of education will have more and more digital applications.
FQ

5. How does the State Library assist Public
Libraries with E-rate
Work with applicants
Assist in Training, One on one help with 4 stages of application, with
technology planning, with eligibility of products and services, RFP,
interpreting the rules and guidelines, assisting with reviewers questions.
Gathering data, success stories and what needs improvements.
At the Local Level – work with State Procurement Office and Mohave
Educational Services on Master Contracts. With stakeholders like ATIC,
GAZeL Commerce Authority, Dept of Administration, Dept of
Transportation on matters that involve Broadband Planning.
At the National Level: Representing the Libraries at ALA, to USAC, to FCC
and at SHLB. Responding to Rule-making notices. Work with other State
Coordinators and School counter-parts.
Q1

6. Broadband Adoption : Projects/ Programs
 Cochise County Library District Mobile Tech Lab Goal is to increase the digital
literacy skills of our older underserved rural population with low-digital
literacy.
 The Idea Center - Glendale Public Library – assisting entrepreneurs and
innovators
 Wi-Fi Projects
Hot Spot Lending - Douglas Public Library, Gateway Community College
Library, Grand Canyon University Library, Huachuca City Public Library,
Prescott Public Library.
TV White Space Base and Client Stations – to extend Wi-Fi after library
hours.
Tech check-it out – Show-Low Public Library (Hot spots, Think Pads,
wireless printers),
Q2

7. Key Challenges faced by Tribal Libraries for
Broadband Adoption
Initiatives in Digital Inclusion
and Broadband Adoption:
Annual Tribal Gathering to
showcase technologies and
encourage adoption based on
their interests.
Digital Literacy Training
Understanding Technology
Computer and Network Needs
Assessment tool-kits
E-rate Training
 Preservation of Language and
History
Providing e-resources
Wi Fi Hot Spots
Challenges:
 Staffing
 Retention of Trained
Staff
 Shared IT Specialists
 Budget Cycles
 Implementation and
follow-up issues
 Cultural issues
Q3

8. FCC’s Bandwidth Recommendations for
Schools and Public Libraries
Q3
Q4

9. High-speed Internet is the necessary
foundation for taking advantage of
technology in the classroom. I support
expanding broadband connectivity in
every classroom in our state to ensure
our students have the tools and skills
they need to succeed in school and
beyond.
Governor Doug Ducey… .……
Governor Ducey’s Vision for Broadband in Arizona…
Q4

10. • Example: District is in need of high speed internet but is several miles
from the nearest telco location
• One-Time Build costs =
• For a school/library with 80% discount E-rate will pay for
80% of the costs =
• State can pay 10% =
• With State match, E-rate will pay and additional 10% =
• Net cost to District =
Erate funding and rule changes have created an Unique Opportunity to
connect schools and libraries to higher bandwidth without a lot of Cap-ex.
$100,000
- $80,000
- $10,000
- $10,000
$ 0.0
UNPRECEDENTED, SHORT TERM OPPORTUNITY
Q4

11. Some of the applications are for consortiums and may have ineligible
entities or items that have to be cost allocated out.
USAC/E-rate does not pay for
• Non-anchor institutions
• Ineligible products or in excess of need
• Applications that do not meet program rules.
2017 and 2018 Project have been approved and some even completed
while 2019 is in the process of being funded.
State Matching Grant – Allocation by Year
Q4

12. Broadband Projects around Arizona - 1
Q4

13. Broadband Projects around Arizona - 2
Q4

14. Arizona E-rate Application by County - 2019
Q4

15. Libraries of the future…… Ooooh the possibilities!
Ivy Guide
Translator & Digital Highlighter
Questions?mala@azlibrary.gov
The Third Place