Library-Specific E-Rate Training

It's been several years since Michigan has hosted a library-specific E-Rate workshop and a lot has changed. This half-day event will first cover E-Rate filing fundamentals for library directors and IT staff who are approaching it for the first time, or taking a second look at it. The next portion of the day will cover both the Michigan and national landscape for libraries so you can see yourself in a more holistic picture. Next, Marie Zuk, librarian-turned-E-Rate-consultant, will provide a peek into the consultant's perspective with tips for your own relationship with professional E-Rate services. And Matt Stark, director the MiSEN, will talk about the dramatic changes coming to Michigan. The MiSEN is a fiber backbone that provides fantastic speeds for a mere $.50/mb. What makes it even better is that libraries can sign a Letter of Agency with ISD/LEA to join local consortium applications where MISEN will process the E-Rate paperwork. Far less hands-on time for the library! We’ll wrap up the day with a library success story. Helena Hayes, director of the Galesburg-Charleston Memorial District Library, recently won a state matching grant to build fiber and will soon join their local ISD’s network. Hear from a library taking advantage of the MiSEN opportunity about what’s actually involved.

Agenda:

10-10:15: Introductions
10:15-12:00: Joe Polasek, E-Rate Coordinator of the Michigan Department of Education, talks E-Rate fundamentals including updates for the next filing year
12:00-12:30: [working lunch] Sonya Schryer Norris of the Library of Michigan talks about the state and national landscape with examples of how E-Rate operates for libraries in other states
12:30-12:45: break
12:45-1:15: Marie Zuk of Convergent Technology Partners talks about E-Rate and consultants
1:15-1:45: Matt Stark explains the MiSEN as well as the plans and opportunities for Michigan libraries
1:45-2:00: Helena Hayes, Director of Galesburg-Charleston Memorial District Library, speaks about their successful state matching grant and plans to connect to the MiSEN

Instructors: Sonya Schryer Norris, Library Consultant, Library of Michigan, Joe Polasek, State E-Rate Coordinator, Michigan Department of Education, Marie Zuk, E-Rate Consultant, Convergent Technology Partners and Matt Stark, Director, Michigan State Education Network (MiSEN)

This project is made possible by grant funds from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) administered by the State of Michigan through the Library of Michigan.