For those who are interested in federal efforts for broadband and libraries, IMLS is hosting a public hearing that is available on YouTube and Google +. You can also send comments in at the email address in the message below. Karren Reish Library Grants Coordinator Library of Michigan 517-241-0021 reishk@michigan.gov<mailto:reishk@michigan.gov> From: "IMLS News " <imlsnews@imls.gov<mailto:imlsnews@imls.gov>> Date: April 4, 2014 at 4:36:09 PM EDT Subject: IMLS Invites You to a Public Hearing on Libraries and Broadband To view this message in a browser, please click here<http://www.idevmail.net/message.aspx?d=73&m=2027&e=robertsonn@michigan.gov&r=1056762>. [IMLS logo] April 4, 2014 Dear Colleague, On behalf of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), I invite you to a public hearing, "Libraries and Broadband: Urgency and Impact." Federal Communications Commission Chairman Thomas Wheeler will make opening remarks, and expert panelists from across the library, technology, and public policy spectrum will explore the issue of high-speed broadband in America's libraries. The hearing will take place on Thursday, April 17, 2014 from 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. at the Martin Luther King Memorial Library, 901 G St. NW, Washington, DC 20001. The hearing will be live streamed on YouTube<http://www.idevmail.net/link.aspx?l=1&d=73&mid=334267&m=2027> and Google+<http://www.idevmail.net/link.aspx?l=2&d=73&mid=334267&m=2027>. IMLS is charged with advising the President and Congress about the library, museum, and information service needs of the American public. As the FCC embarks on efforts to modernize the e-rate program, IMLS is conducting this hearing to establish a public record on the need for and impact of high-speed broadband connectivity in America's libraries and to document forward-looking strategies to improve broadband connectivity. You are also invited to provide comments for the public record. Comments received by Monday, April 24, will be published on the agency's website. Send comments to comments@imls.gov<mailto:comments@imls.gov>. IMLS Director Susan H. Hildreth will chair the hearing along with members of the National Museum and Library Services Board, including Christie Pearson Brandau, Iowa; Charles Benton, Illinois; Winston Tabb, Maryland; and Carla Hayden, Maryland, who will lead three panels during the hearing: * The Vision: What happens when we get it right? This panel will explore innovative practices and partnerships and new strategies that have the potential to serve individuals and communities well. * The Data: Panelists will explore what we know about broadband connections and services in America's libraries. * Moving Forward: During this section, we will explore solutions for connectivity in libraries. In addition to Thomas Wheeler, speakers and panelists will include Reed Hundt, former Chairman of the FCC; Clarence Anthony, Executive Director of the National League of Cities; Chris Jowaisas, Senior Program Officer at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and many others. Click here for a complete agenda<http://www.idevmail.net/link.aspx?l=3&d=73&mid=334267&m=2027>. If interested in attending the event, please RSVP to events@imls.gov<mailto:events@imls.gov> by April 10th. We look forward to seeing you there. Sincerely, [signature] Mamie Bittner Director, Office of Communications and Government Affairs Institute of Museum and Library Services