Minnesota’s Public Libraries: Bringing Broadband to All
A Presentation to the Governor’s Broadband Taskforce
Wednesday October 14, 2015
Jennifer Nelson, Director and State Librarian
“Leading for educational excellence and equity.
Every day for every one.”
From Libraries at the crossroads, Pew Research Center, September 2015
27% of visitors used library computers, Internet or WiFi.Library Internet access is particularly used by African Americans (38%),
Hispanics (32%) and those from lower-income households (31%).Of those, 60% used for research or school work.
58% checked or sent texts or email.39% used an online database.27% downloaded an e-book.
23% looked for or applied for a job.6% took advantage of WiFi when the library was closed.
75% said libraries help people learn about new technology.
Public Libraries in the United States
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Regional Library Telecom Aid M.S. 134.355
• Statutory change in 2015 aligns program directly with e-rate – Requires e-rate documentation– Expands eligible expenditures– Current and prior year Eligible Services List
• Category One (non voice) covered at e-rate non discount amount – ensures 100% of connection costs are covered
• Category Two (equipment) prorated based on applications/amount available
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RLTA Sites - Contracted Mbps June 30, 2015
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304 report contracted bandwidth of at least 10 mbps8 report contracted bandwidth up to 9.9mbps5 do not report an amount
Speed Snapshot
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2014
Mbps
Up to 9.9 10 or more
Download 34%(125)
60%(217)
Upload 47%(170)
47%(172)
Connectivity
2014FIBER OPTIC
211libraries
62%CATEGORY 6 WIRING
85libraries
25%
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Public Access Technology
COMPUTERS USE
5,759desktops
529mobile devices
5,594,135Internet sessions
2014
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Wireless
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352libraries
97%
918,102sessions
(~30% reporting)
2014WIRELESS ACCESS
Digital Material Use
COLLECTION DOWNLOADS
624,558 digital media
424,452 e-books
170,258 audiobooks27,497
videos2,351
magazine titles
4,017,994 downloads3,277,610
e-book & magazines740,384 audiobooks and videos
2014
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Jennifer Nelson
651-582-8791
Thank you
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