The PUC has made  decisions regarding the University's request for continued
database funding from MTEAF (the Maine Telecommunications Access Fund which
finances the MSLN).  The full text of the PUC decision will be posted on the
MSL web site under "News" as soon as possible.



Gary Nichols, Steve Norman (VP of MLA), Michael Mitchell, technical
coordinator for Lithgow Library in Augusta, Joyce Rummery from Fogler
Library at UMO, and I were present for the deliberations on Tuesday
afternoon.



The PUC approves continued MTEAF funding for statewide licenses databases
CONTINGENT upon the State receiving federal e-rate money that is due to us.
The funding approved will be $500,000 a year for two years.  Since federal
e-rate money has been so slow in coming, the MTEAF Board has had to dip into
money left over from NYNEX days to keep MSLN bills paid.  This money is
gone.  Thus, it is imperative that we get federal e-rate money and get it
before June 30.



The PUC declined to support additional funding for ISP service for libraries
that do not apply for Federal E-Rate as required by Maine statute.  One of
the reasons (and you can read more in their published decision) was a
perceived inequity in support for libraries with libraries NOT complying
with CIPA receiving more support than libraries who do comply.  ISP service
for MSLN costs $140 per site.  The federal e-rate share (which only non-CIPA
compliant libraries will forfeit) is $84 per month.  MTEAF will continue to
provide their $56 per month contribution.



Confused??



In short, if a library applies for Federal E-Rate their MSLN services will
continue to be free.

Libraries who do not apply for Federal E-Rate and who want to stay in MSLN
will have to pay $84 per month for ISP services regardless of their
connectivity (56K, T-1, or ATM).  The MTEAF will continue to provide the
transport from Verizon.

Look on the Maine State Library web page soon for the MSLN UNET contract
which explains the current services available from UNET.




Linda H. Lord
Director of Library Development
Maine State Library
64 State House Station
Augusta, ME  04333
(207) 287-5620
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