Good afternoon, all,

A few months ago, Networkmaine (the University of Maine's unit that provides and supports the Maine School and Library Network (MSLN)), was audited by USAC (the government agency that oversees the federal E-rate program). More than thirty schools and libraries were randomly selected to provide proof of compliance with the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA), as a part of the auditing process. At that time, very few of the libraries selected were able to provide the documentation required for CIPA compliance.

This inability to demonstrate compliance creates a significant risk of fees and penalties. To minimize this risk for future MSLN audits, and to ensure that the MSL and MSLN libraries will not be forced to reimburse E-rate funds due to non-compliance, the Maine State Library is establishing a new policy for libraries that receive internet connectivity from MSLN. To that end, I am requesting for libraries to provide copies of their existing internet safety or computer use policies to me, by email, fax or post.

If your library does not have an Internet safety policy, or in cases where a library's policy needs changing to achieve compliance, I will be offering webinars and one-on-one assistance. Please assist us in supporting the Maine School and Library Network, Networkmaine, and their invaluable service to our libraries.

For further information, please read : http://www.maine.gov/msl/erate/training/CIPAComplianceforMaineLibraries.pdf . (Requires Adobe Reader)

Also, please visit: http://www.maine.gov/msl/erate/training/cipa-compliance.htm .

My sincerest apologies for the double-ladling of alphabet soup.

-Jared Leadbetter
E-rate and Technology Consultant
Maine State Library
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207-287-5620