In other words, if your library hopes to receive future E-rate discounts and LSTA funds to purchase computers for Internet access or to pay for Internet access, filtering or blocking technology on library computers may no longer be a local option. The requirements for E-rate discounts differ slightly from the requirements for receiving LSTA funds. The new statute takes effect 120 days after enactment, or April 20, 2001. Until the appropriate federal agencies adopt rules and guidelines, public libraries should continue to enforce their already adopted policies and to use the E-rate discounts and the grant funds available to them. The application procedures for both sources of funds should continue to go forward.
Many questions remain about the new laws.
Look for more information in Access. Watch for announcements on michlib-l and from your library cooperatives.