Broadband and Telecom
Libraries provide essential services to the public through equitable public access to information and telecommunications services. All types of libraries – public, school and academic - need affordable “big pipe” broadband connectivity to meet the ever-increasing needs of library users. In response to the increased public demand for access, the American Library Association’s legislative agenda includes but is not limited to the following:
- Build-out of high-speed, affordable national broadband services focusing on the broadband grant programs of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), and including “Fiber to the Library” (pdf);
- Stabilization of Universal Service (USF) and E-rate, discounts that have provided over $600 million to public libraries over the 12-year life of the program; and
- Preservation of network neutrality to ensure a diversity of viewpoints on the Internet while recognizing the need for innovation and transparency, as well as appropriate network management techniques.