================================================================= ALAWON Volume 7, Number 9 ISSN 1069-7799 January 27, 1998 American Library Association Washington Office Newsline In this issue: (107 lines) AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION VOICES CONCERN ABOUT PROPOSED UNIVERSAL SERVICE RESTRICTIONS _________________________________________________________________ AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION VOICES CONCERN ABOUT PROPOSED UNIVERSAL SERVICE RESTRICTIONS The American Library Association says it believes that legislation being developed by Senator John McCain (R-Ariz.) could jeopardize a key provision of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 that provides discounts on telecommunications services for schools and libraries. The discounts known as the education or "e-rates" are intended to ensure all Americans have access to this communications technology. McCain, who voted against the discounts, is chairman of the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee. On January 20, he released a "Telecommunications Legislation for 1998" agenda with proposals he says are intended to ensure that schools and libraries most in need get priority and that federal subsidies are not used to allow students to obtain "indecent" material over the Internet. A hearing is scheduled February 10. While applauding McCain's concern for the neediest communities, Barbara J. Ford, president of the Chicago-based association, expressed concern about his proposed content restrictions. "This proposal jeopardizes one of the most important--if not the most important--education initiatives of this century,"she said. "Access to the Internet is not a luxury--it's critical if children and adults are to be prepared to live and work in a global information society." "A majority of Congress clearly recognized this and acted to ensure that libraries and schools can afford to offer this important service to their local communities. Holding a hearing focused on federal control of what should be local content decisions can only undermine and distract from the real value of this program." Ford said the association is waiting for McCain to issue details of his proposals but that it appears a federal mandate would not be an effective or appropriate way to address his goals. "We appreciate and share Senator McCain's concerns but do not believe they warrant this type of federal intervention in local decision making," Ford explained. "This program is getting started. We need to be getting the word out that these discounts are available and making sure communities that need them most will apply." The discounts range from 20 to 90 percent depending on financial need. Ford said the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the American Library Association and other organizations have taken affirmative steps to ensure that schools and libraries most in need receive discounts. The discounts do not involve federal appropriations. Patterned after universal service policy for telephone service, telecommunications companies contribute to a universal service fund. Companies providing service at discounted rates to schools and libraries are reimbursed from the fund for the amount of the discount. Noting that the application process is underway, Ford said requiring schools to certify they block access to "indecent" material would be "one more hoop" that may discourage many from applying. Most already have policies and practices to guide Internet use. The American Library Association is a nonprofit, educational organization. Its 57,000 members represent all types of libraries--public, school, academic and special libraries serving business, hospitals, prisons and other institutions. Its mission is to promote the highest quality library and information service. _________________________________________________________________ ALAWON is a free, irregular publication of the American Library Association Washington Office. To subscribe, send the message: subscribe ala-wo [your_firstname] [your_lastname] to listproc @ala.org. To unsubscribe, send the message: unsubscribe ala-wo to listproc@ala.org. ALAWON archives at http://www.ala.org/ washoff/alawon. Visit our Web site at http://www.alawash.org. ALA Washington Office 202.628.8410 (V) 1301 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, #403 202.628.8419 (F) Washington, DC 20004-1701 800.941.8478 (V) Lynne E. Bradley, Editor Deirdre Herman, Managing Editor Contributors: Carol C. Henderson All materials subject to copyright by the American Library Association may be reprinted or redistributed for noncommercial purposes with appropriate credits. =================================================================