The Schools and Libraries Program of the Universal Service Fund, commonly known as "E-Rate," is administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) under the direction of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and provides discounts to assist most schools and libraries in the United States to obtain affordable telecommunications, Internet access and advanced technologies. Schools and libraries can apply annually for discounts of from 20-90% on telecommunications services, Internet access and internal connections. With the budget situation as it is, the E-Rate program can be a critical source of additional funds to Ohio public libraries. The State Library of Ohio encourages all public libraries to apply for E-Rate.
Libraries that apply for and receive reimbursements or discounts from the E-Rate program may be required to create a technology plan to support their requests. If a library is just apply for telecommuncations a tech plan is not required. However, the State Library strongly encourages all public libraries to have a certified Tech Plan on file at the State Library.
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