Did you know that public libraries are eligible to receive discounts on internet connection, wireless access and hardware that supports internet access through the E-rate program? By filling out a few forms you can get as much as a 90% discount on your bills.

The telephone companies and the federal government collect this money from every telephone customer, but unless you ask for it, this money just sits in Washington.

Because it is so important that libraries claim their E-rate money, OPLIN supports workshops on E-rate for public libraries each fall. The workshops are presented by Lorrie Germann, State E-rate Coordinator. Lorrie is also available to answer individual questions from public libraries about E-rate issues. You may contact Lorrie at 740-253-1153 or lorrie.germann@gmail.com.

PDF copies of the workshop slides can be found here.

Click "Show More" below the videos to find indexes of topics you can jump to the exact subject that interests you. In addition, you can find more E-rate related recordings (including both an overview and a walkthrough for the FCC's Emergency Connectivity Fund) at OPLIN's YouTube channel, https://www.youtube.com/c/oplinorg.

Libraries participating in the E-rate program must be compliant with the Children’s Internet and Protection Act, also known as CIPA.  These restrictions take the form of requirements for Internet safety policies and technology which blocks or filters certain material from being accessed through the Internet. More information on CIPA compliance is available here. Additionally, OPLIN provides internet filtering at no charge to public libraries. More information, including steps to getting an account, is available here.