2024/02/28 Council Agenda Packet

OSOS No. I-8051 LIBTECH PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT & OPERATION In this digital age, access to high-speed internet has become a basic service required for par�cipa�on in many aspects of society, including but not limited to accessing employment, social services, and educa�on. 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 or remote areas without the necessary broadband infrastructure are being le� behind. Given the high costs of internet for individuals, libraries have become an essen�al link for many patrons to gain access to these services. Many libraries are also challenged by their own financial constraints and by the lack of internet infrastructure in more remote areas. Since libraries are considered Community Anchor ins�tu�ons 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 en�re community can benefit from reduced internet costs with the infrastructure that was built out to their area. In response to this need, the Washington State Library (WSL) developed the LibTech Program (LibTech or the Program). LibTech provides Enterprise grade technology services to public libraries in our State for planning, procuring, managing, maintaining, and troubleshoo�ng for internet access, network service, and technology equipment at a frac�on of the normal cost. To achieve this, WSL has leveraged state-wide purchasing power with mul�ple state and federal funding sources, including the FCC’S Universal Service Fund E-rate program and funds provided by the Ins�tute 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 Program and is responsible for all Program contrac�ng and fund administra�on. WSL simply charges par�cipa�ng libraries for their discounted share of the costs on a quarterly basis. WSL conducted a compe��ve bidding process to procure the technology services and Lumen, an internet and managed equipment service provider, was awarded the ini�al contracts for these services. The contracts provide for a 5-year term, from July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2028, with the op�on to extend for one addi�onal year, through June 30, 2029. WSL is commited to con�nuing to provide these services a�er the contract with the current service provider expires, either by con�nuing to contract for the services with a provider, or by developing a networking opera�ons center at WSL. The internet access available to LibTech par�cipants is for a minimum of 1G speed with the highest Enterprise level of reliability and service. The managed network services include equipment (routers with technology protec�ons measures, switches, indoor and outdoor access points, and UPS units), installa�on, licensing, maintenance, and support. WSL pays the provider for the internet and managed equipment service u�lized by each LibTech par�cipant, and then invoices the libraries quarterly for their share, which is significantly less than the actual cost to obtain and implement these services because WSL: (1) u�lizes favorably nego�ated statewide contracts to procure the services; (2) has secured and con�nues to pursue other available funding sources to lower costs; (3) has commited and will con�nue to provide its own resources and other contracted resources to administer the Program; (4) subsidizes with its own funds certain administra�ve costs and expenses; and (5) provides addi�onal subsidies where libraries have a demonstrable financial Page 2 of 29