2024/02/28 Council Agenda Packet

City Council Agenda Item Cover Sheet Project title: Authorize the Mayor to sign the Interlocal agreement with Washington State Library to participate in Library Technology Program (LIBTECH) Council Bill # interoffice use Project: Interlocal agreement with Washington State Library Partner/Supplier: Library Technology Program (LIBTECH) Location: NA Preceding action: None Fund: 110 – Library, 505 - IT Agenda dates requested: February 28, 2024 Briefing Proposed action Consent X Action Ordinance Public hearing Yes X No Budget amendment: Yes X No PowerPoint presentation: Yes X No Attachments: Inter-local agreement with Washington State Library Department(s) involved: Library, IT Contact person: Abigail Cooley Phone number: 425-257-8022 Email: acooley@everettwa.gov Initialed by: AWC Department head Administration Council President Fiscal summary statement: Washington State Library (WSL) has leveraged state-wide purchasing power with multiple state and federal funding sources, including the FCC’S Universal Service Fund E- rate program and funds provided by the Institute for Museum and Library Services pursuant to the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) and the American Rescue Plan Act. WSL passes these significant savings off market prices to libraries in the LIBTECH Program and is responsible for all Program contracting and fund administration. WSL charges participating libraries for their discounted share of the costs on a quarterly basis. IT’s annual share of costs for equipment service will be $7,000. The Library’s annual share of costs for internet service will be $4,057. Project summary statement: Access to high-speed internet has become a basic service required for participation in many aspects of society, including but not limited to accessing employment, social services, and education. Over the past decade, we have seen a significant increase in the Digital Divide where people with less financial resources or who live in economically disadvantaged areas are being left behind. Given the high costs of internet for individuals, libraries have become an essential link for many patrons to gain access to these services. Since libraries are considered Community Anchor institutions for internet infrastructure, when they bring robust high-speed internet services to their branches, not only can their patrons engage in today’s digital world, but their entire community can benefit from reduced internet costs with the infrastructure that was built out to their area. The LIBTECH Program provides Enterprise grade technology services to public libraries in Washington State for planning, procuring, managing, maintaining, and troubleshooting for internet access, network service, and technology equipment at a fraction of the normal cost. Recommendation (exact action requested of Council): Authorize the Mayor to sign the Interlocal agreement with Washington State Library.