The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has taken a step forward in improving the E-rate program for Tribal and rural Libraries by advancing the “Improving the E-rate Rules and Processes for Tribal Applicants” Order. This effort aims to make it easier for these libraries to participate in the program.

The American Library Association (ALA) and the Association of Tribal Archives, Libraries, and Museums (ATALM) have been advocating for the inclusion of Tribal libraries in the E-rate program for over a decade. ALA President Emily Drabinski expressed her appreciation for the FCC’s efforts, stating that this vote and Order are significant achievements for library advocates and a crucial step toward advancing equity and access for Tribal libraries, as well as other small and rural libraries in need of affordable connectivity.

ATALM President and CEO Susan Feller highlighted that several key changes in the proposed Order were a result of feedback from ATALM members. These changes include making Tribal college libraries eligible for the program if they also serve the public, simplifying the application process, and providing exemptions to competitive bidding rules.

The proposed changes aim to address barriers that have hindered Tribal libraries from participating in the E-rate program, particularly due to the overly complicated application process. This Order builds upon an earlier notice of proposed rulemaking from the spring, which prompted ALA and others in the field to provide information and examples demonstrating the need for simplified program requirements and eligibility for Tribal college libraries serving their public communities.

Lori Fisher, the Maine State Librarian, emphasized the value of well-connected libraries in rural communities and acknowledged the critical role that the E-rate program has played in improving connectivity. Fisher hopes that the changes voted on will also benefit Tribal libraries in Maine and enable them to take advantage of this long-awaited opportunity. She also emphasized the need for addressing program roadblocks faced by smaller rural libraries, particularly regarding Category Two funding, which can impede their access to high-speed internet.

Feller expressed appreciation for the FCC’s responsiveness to the recommendations received from Tribal librarians and mentioned that more listening sessions will be facilitated in the coming months.

To inform interested parties about the updated guidelines for Tribal applicants and the E-rate program, the FCC, ATALM, and ALA will hold a joint webinar on August 10th. ALA will continue to monitor the next steps and provide additional information to the FCC regarding proposed changes to simplify the E-rate application process for all Tribal, small, and rural libraries. They will also develop resources to support libraries, especially first-time E-rate applicants, in navigating the funding and requirements of the program.

Drabinski emphasized the importance of the E-rate program in bringing high-speed internet access to communities and praised the efforts to simplify and streamline the process and rules. These improvements are expected to increase capacity and encourage more small, rural, and Tribal libraries to apply for the program.

It is worth noting that this E-rate and Tribal libraries notice is just one of many proposals circulating at the FCC that seek to benefit libraries. FCC Chairwoman Rosenworcel recently announced Learn Without Limits, which aims to make hotspots lending and school bus Wi-Fi eligible under E-rate. The third phase of Learn Without Limits would create separate funding for network security for schools and libraries under the Universal Service Fund, in addition to E-rate.

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