As our nation marks its 250th year and E-Rate reaches its 30th anniversary, we should be celebrating a program that has expanded information access for all Americans. Unfortunately, opponents argue that because E-Rate has succeeded, we no longer need it. But success is precisely why it must continue. Just as our streets and roads require … Continue reading Save Our E-Rate
On June 11, Joey Wender, executive director of the Schools, Health, and Libraries Broadband (SHLB) Coalition, published the following column in Benton Institute for Broadband and Society Digital Beat. It is reprinted here with permission. The FCC Is Asking Whether to End E-Rate Every school and library should answer On June 4, the Federal Communications … Continue reading A New Threat to E-Rate
Tamara King, executive director of Richland (S.C.) Library, had a clear answer when one of my colleagues asked why she had flown into town for the event. “It’s like asking why we advocate for our rights, or why we advocate for basic human dignity, or why we advocate for kids to go to school.” That … Continue reading Library Advocacy on Capitol Hill
To help equip and energize advocates in an environment of heightened stakes, the American Library Association’s (ALA) Public Policy and Advocacy Office launched a webinar series as part of its Show Up for Our Libraries campaign. The sixth installment, “Turning Congressmembers into Library Champions,” brought together voices from the library side and the congressional side … Continue reading Finding Your Heroes on the Hill
Indeed, the American Library Association (ALA) exists because of a shared desire for a professional community and coordinated advocacy. In my early interactions across the many facets of the Association, I have seen firsthand the deep drive and commitment our members bring to this work. At events like the American Association of School Librarians National … Continue reading Advocacy Unites Us
Prior to 2023, each chapter onboarded incoming chapter leaders individually, supplemented by ALA advocacy training focused on topics, not roles. But in response to rising attacks on libraries—including censorship of library materials, defunding efforts, and disinformation campaigns about the profession—ALA shifted its approach and began a new pilot program to provide intensive training to all … Continue reading A Crash Course in Advocacy
After the threats to federal library funding in the past year, the fiscal year (FY) 2026 appropriations bills signed by President Trump on February 3 included an increase in federal funding for libraries. Less than a year ago, an executive order threatened to dismantle the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), the only source … Continue reading Federal Funding for Libraries Prevails
The Telecommunications Act of 1996, signed into law on February 8, expanded the definition of essential communications services to include telecommunications and high-speed internet. It established the E-Rate program, which provides schools and libraries with discounts on internet and other telecommunications services and the equipment they need to use them. Today, virtually all public libraries … Continue reading 30 Years of E-Rate
Likewise, our state association has challenged other bills designed to curtail access, intellectual freedom, and professional integrity. Each time, Iowa Library Association has mobilized quickly to alert members to these proposals, provide action plans, and connect with community partners. These nimble responses are possible because chapters know the local context, the lawmakers, and the stakes. … Continue reading The Pulse of Our Profession
Regular appropriations Most years, to avert a government shutdown, Congress passes 12 separate spending bills (or a temporary continuing resolution that continues the prior year’s budget) by the start of the next fiscal year on October 1. This work historically starts after the president submits a budget request, which appropriators typically largely reject. As expected, … Continue reading Checking In on Federal Library Funding
The ALA applauded the Supreme Court’s 6–3 decision to uphold the Universal Service Fund (USF). The system of telecommunications subsidies administered by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) includes the E-Rate program, which provides libraries and schools billions of dollars each year for broadband access and connectivity. More than half of all public libraries apply for … Continue reading Supreme Court Protects Federal Broadband Funding
A federal judge has declined to block the Trump administration’s efforts to dismantle the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). The ruling, issued today in ALA v. Sonderling, will allow the administration’s cuts at the independent agency while the case proceeds. The case was brought by Democracy Forward and Gair Gallo Eberhard LLP on behalf … Continue reading Judge Denies Preliminary Injunction in IMLS Lawsuit
