Margaret Wilson

Name: Margaret Wilson
E-mail: murrlib1@nb.net
Organization: Murrysville Community Library
City and State: Murrysville, PA
Date: Nov. 11 - 05:40 PM
Submitted from: wheat-d-07.nb.net <207.113.179.179>

1a. Has the seminar made it more likely that your school district or library will participate in the Universal Service discount program?

Yes

1b. At what level is your organization applying for the Universal Service discount?

Individual

2a. What long-term service contracts does your library or school districts currently have in effect?

Internet access

Internal wiring

Telephone service

2b. When will these contracts expire?

After 2000

3a. Has your school or library decided upon an estimated date for the completion and submission of the E-rate application?

No

3b. If yes, please indicate your estimated application date.

4. Please list any additional comments you have for the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission.

I applaud the decision to provide an extended application window in order to give institutions time to complete applications adequately. I still feel, however, that unless the application process is considerably simplified, and provisions are made for long term contracts with providers, the annual application procedure will prove to be burdensome for libraries with inadequate staffing and frequent staff turnovers. It also seems unrealistic for our library to be forced to put up for bid a second Internet access provider when our current provider is giving us free service now and will charge us only half price for our second contract. What kind of customer/vendor relationship does this requirement encourage? Certainly not trust or loyalty! If I am wrong in my interpretation of these rules, please advise. MJW Murrysville.