December 22, 2014<\/p>\n
Late Friday the FCC released their 2nd E-rate Modernization Order and in it they increased the per square foot allowance from $2.30 to $5.00 per square foot for libraries located (1) in urbanized areas within principal cities with a population over 100,000; and, (2) in areas outside of a principal city, but within an urbanized area with a population of over 250,000. These libraries have a locale code of 11, 12 and 21 as assigned by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).\u00a0 This change results in a net increase of $9.8 million to the Category 2 pre-discount cap for PA libraries.<\/p>\n
Who Are The Affected Libraries?<\/strong>\u00a0 Based on data found at http:\/\/www.imls.gov\/research\/pls_data_files.aspx<\/a>, attached is a file<\/a> in alpha order showing all PA libraries having these locale codes.\u00a0 Because the file also included square footage amounts for each library, I added a column (red) that shows the new 5-year Category 2 pre-discount E-rate funding budget.\u00a0 It’s my understanding that the square footage amounts were current as of 2012, so if your library has added space since then or if this data is not accurate, you should use your more accurate data on your Form 471.<\/p>\n Congratulations on your early holiday gift from the FCC!<\/p>\n — Julie<\/p>\n Julie Tritt Schell 717-730-7133 – o penn*link<\/p>\n\n
\nPA E-rate Coordinator<\/p>\n
\n717-730-9060 – f
\njtschell@comcast.net<\/a>
\nwww.e-ratepa.org<\/a><\/p>\n