ALA Comments on Tribal Libraries and E-Rate

Abstract

The American Library Association (ALA) and the Association of Tribal Archives, Libraries and Museums (ATALM) commend the Federal Communications Commission for moving forward with a tribal library Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to address the long-standing barriers to tribal library participation in the E-rate program. Since the program’s inception, the definition of “library” has often been a barrier preventing many tribal libraries from participating in the program. Updating the definition to clarify that tribal libraries are eligible for the E-rate is obviously the most critical step the Commission can take to correct this issue. However, because there is a long history of confusion related to eligibility of tribal libraries and a basic lack of awareness of the E-rate program, ALA and ATALM also encourage the Commission to develop a robust outreach strategy to encourage their participation in the program.