2001 Minnesota Statutes

     134.47 Regional library telecommunications aid. 

    Subdivision 1.    Eligibility.  (a) A regional public 
 library system may apply for regional library telecommunications 
 aid.  The aid must be used for data and video access costs and 
 other related costs to improve or maintain electronic access and 
 connect the library system with the state information 
 infrastructure administered by the department of administration 
 under section 16B.465.  Priority shall be given to public 
 libraries that have not received access.  To be eligible, a 
 regional public library system must be officially designated by 
 the commissioner of children, families, and learning as a 
 regional public library system as defined in section 134.34, 
 subdivision 3, and each of its participating cities and counties 
 must meet local support levels defined in section 134.34, 
 subdivision 1.  A public library building that receives aid 
 under this section must be open a minimum of 20 hours per week. 

    (b) Aid received under this section may not be used to 
 substitute for any existing local funds allocated to provide 
 electronic access, equipment for library staff or the public, or 
 local funds dedicated to other library operations. 

    (c) An application for regional library telecommunications 
 aid must, at a minimum, contain information to document the 
 following: 

    (1) the connections are adequate and employ an open network 
 architecture that will ensure interconnectivity and 
 interoperability with school districts, post-secondary 
 education, or other governmental agencies; 

    (2) that the connection is established through the most 
 cost-effective means and that the regional library has explored 
 and coordinated connections through school districts, 
 post-secondary education, or other governmental agencies; 

    (3) that the regional library system has filed an e-rate 
 application; and 

    (4) other information, as determined by the commissioner of 
 children, families, and learning, to ensure that connections are 
 coordinated, efficient, and cost-effective, take advantage of 
 discounts, and meet applicable state standards. 

    The library system may include costs associated with 
 cooperative arrangements with post-secondary institutions, 
 school districts, and other governmental agencies. 

    Subd. 2.    Award of funds.  The commissioner of 
 children, families, and learning shall develop an application 
 and a reporting form and procedures for regional library 
 telecommunications aid.  Aid shall be based on actual costs of 
 connections and funds available for this purpose.  The 
 commissioner shall make payments directly to the regional public 
 library system. 

    Subd. 3.    Expiration.  This section expires on July 1, 
 2003. 

    HIST: 1Sp2001 c 3 art 4 s 3