Alaska State Library > E-rate

Forms and Samples

• Tech Plan Expiration Table (PDF)
• BIA (Budget & Inventory Analysis ) Forms (DOC)
• BIA Instructions (PDF)
• BIA Sample for POTS (PDF)
• BIA Sample for Internet (PDF)
• Cover Sheet for Technology Plan (DOC)

Contact Information

Aja Razumny
PO 110571
Juneau, AK 98111-0571
Fax: 907-465-2665
Toll-free phone: 888.820.4525

Who does NOT need a Technology Plan?

Libraries requesting only POTS (plain old telephone service), that is regular local and long distance telephone service, do not need Technology Plans in order to get E-Rate discounts for phone service.

Who DOES need a Technology Plan

If you are requesting E-Rate funding for ADVANCED phone services (including data lines, DSL or ISN lines) and /or internet service you will need to file a technology plan. Direct or broadband internet may be provided by a telephone company, an Internet service provider or a cable company. If you wish for E-Rate to pay for a portion of your internet bill from any of these types of providers, you must include internet in your technology plan and address how it will be used under the seven requirements of a technology plan, outlined below.

If you are applying for internet service you also need to adhere to CIPA (Children's Internet Protection Act) requirements. That includes filtering internet access on all computers, having an Internet Safety Policy, and holding a public hearing to discuss your filtering and Internet Safety Policy.

Technology Plans & E-Rate Application Schedule

You will need to draft a technology plan BEFORE you file your form 470 for the upcoming funding year. This beginning step can be accomplished with the BUDGET INVENTORY ANALYSIS form (DOC). The BIA addresses all 5 required elements of a technology plan, without the detail of the plan that will follow. For guidance in creating a BIA, see the sample documents above. For instructions, click here (PDF).

If you have an approved technology plan in place that will EXPIRE this upcoming June 30th, you will need to draft a revised technology plan BEFORE you file your form 470 for the next funding year.

E-rate Technology Plan Criteria

E-rate Technology Plan Criteria

1. The plan must contain a general mission statement, which explains the principles and purposes of the library. This may or may not include mention of the uses of technology in the library.
2. The plan must establish clear goals and a realistic strategy for using telecommunications and information technology to improve education or library services;
3. The plan must have a professional development strategy to ensure that staff know how to use these new technologies to improve education or library services;
4. The plan must include an assessment of the telecommunication services, hardware, software, and other services that will be needed to improve education or library services. The Budget Inventory Analysis (DOC) will fulfill this requirement;
5. The plan must provide for a sufficient budget to acquire and support the non-discounted elements of the plan: the hardware, software, professional development, and other services that will be needed to implement the strategy; and
6. The plan must include an evaluation process that enables the school or library to monitor progress toward the specified goals and make mid-course corrections in response to new developments and opportunities as they arise.
7. The plan must include an adopted Internet Use policy and, if needed, a CIPA Internet Safety Policy. To qualify for E-Rate discounts for Internet access libraries must also filter to be in compliance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA). Use the CIPA Compliance Checklist from E-Rate Central (PDF) to assure you have taken all required steps.

For expanded information about the Technology Plan Criteria, contact Aja Razumny.

Who Approves my Technology Plan?

Aja Razumny, Alaska State Library's Public Library Coordinator, can provide assistance during the Technology Plan development process. The Alaska State Library approves all completed technology plans for libraries. You may send Aja your BIA (which is done before filing a form 470) and your technology plan itself (which must be approved before filing your form 486).

Building an Audit Trail

In a folder intended for planning documents, retain:

• Approved technology plan
• Document of Application steps
• Adopted Internet Safety Policy
• Letter of certification from approving agency showing approval and expiration dates
• Any addenda or updates to technology plan, particularly the budget analysis sheets

Plan to retain these documents for 8 years and to produce them if asked by SLD or an auditor.

Filtering Internet Access in Alaskan Public Libraries

Filtering is a local decision, but you are not eligible for E-Rate discounts on advanced services such as Internet unless you filter. If your library has made the decision not to accept E-Rate money for Internet Access and Internal Connections, you are not required to implement a Technology Protection Measure.

Any public library that receives E-Rate funding for Internet Access and Internal Connections MUST have an operating technology protection measure (filter or its equivalent) on ALL computers with the capability of reaching the Internet and that the library have an Internet Safety Policy that has been adopted after a public meeting. Discussion of the proposed policy requires reasonable public notice and at least one public hearing or meeting to address the proposed policy, which could be a public meeting when the board makes its approval.

Internet Safety Policies for Public Libraries

Every library with public access Internet, regardless of whether or not they apply for E-Rate, should have an Internet Safety Policy governing patron activities while online. Policies should be clearly posted for patrons to see. Send a copy to the State Library staff after it is adopted by your board or other authority.

Checklists of Elements for Internet Safety Policies

To qualify for E-Rate discounts for Internet access libraries must also filter to be in compliance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA). Use the CIPA Compliance Checklist (PDF) from E-Rate Central to assure you have taken all required steps.