This is true because of the incredible success the Broadband Program has had across the country here and at the Brooklyn Library amazing things. Making Great Strides and addressing the digital skill divide. Many of us are wondering where the additional funding is going to come from . I should take a moment on the Digital Literacy spectrum to talk about the room we are sitting. This is a digital commons. It provides us through an increasingly sophisticated set of tools, faster connectivity. It cost around 34 million and how can we build more because we know the need is there. I am hoping the panel will talk about this. It is my pleasure to introduce the director of Library Services. Susan has done so much in her tenure to elevate libraries in the consciousness and we owe her gratitude and will be sorry to see her go. Susan, please, thank you. [ applause ] i would ask our gentlemen, the two toms if you dont mind joining me on the stage. Good morning, everyone. Well it is so wonderful to
Audience to pose questions. Here we go with our panel number one. We are looking at the vision. We will explore innovative practices and partnerships. Our first speaker will be the Senior Program officer at the bill and Melinda Gates foundation. Hoping to have leon mac, director of el paso Public Library. Unfortunately she had a family emergency and was not able to the year. We are excited to have clarence anthony, executive director of the National League of cities. We will start out with her. Well, thank you, director. The national museum, Library Services for holding this hearing. I appreciate the opportunity to talk about the experience that the bill and ellen Gates Foundation has had with in china access to technology through Public Libraries and our vision of our libraries can drive personal and Community Development. Today the foundation is composed of many programs and initiatives. Helping farmers in africa strengthen their crops, improving the educational system in the United
20th Century Technology to 21st century highspeed Broadband Technology. Its a reallocation of resourcef resources are never easy and never pleasant but they are essential if we are to keep pushing forward. We are moving to broadband to the person at the library. Its not just an external connection but its how do you get using wifi to the individual in a library . We are bringing the application and administrative process into the 21st century as well by using the same kind of ride band tools and we are focusing on fiscal responsibility. The key is not just more money although if more money is warranted we will deal with that but the key is money well spent by encouraging consortia, by creating longer support. So you can have longer contracts with lower rates and by establishing a system of reference phrasing so people know what is a fair price . We dont expect librarians to be Telecom Experts and able to go out there and haggle with Telecom Companies so how do we help in that regard .
Affordability, and order to ensure all americans get a fair shot at 21st century success. From fighting to protect Net Neutrality to ensuring access to the internet for students caught in the homework gap, she has been a consistent for all. She is a leader in spectrum policy and responsible for developing policies to help expand the reach of broadband to schools, libraries, hospitals, and households across the country. As acting chairwoman she has continued to be a fierce advocate on Consumer Protection issues most notably taking swift action to improve the agencys ability to combat unwanted robo calls. Acting chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel brings over two decades of Communications Policy experience and Public Service to the fcc. Prior to joining, she served as Senior Communications counsel for the u. S. Senate, committee on commerce science and transportation under the leadership of senator John D Rockefeller the fourth and senator Daniel Inouye a. So please join me and welcoming jess
She is a leader in spectrum policy and responsible for developing policies to help expand the reach of broadband to schools, libraries, hospitals, and households across the country. As acting chairwoman she has continued to be a fierce advocate on Consumer Protection issues most notably taking swift action to improve the agencys ability to combat unwanted robo calls. Acting chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel brings over two decades of Communications Policy experience and Public Service to the fcc. Prior to joining, she served as Senior Communications counsel for the u. S. Senate, committee on commerce science and transportation under the leadership of senator John D Rockefeller the fourth and senator Daniel Inouye a. So please join me and welcoming jessica rosen. [applause] we are going to do a little bit of a fireside chat with our chairwoman and we are so excited. I am so excited to be here and i am excited all of you came here. This has been a long time. To see real people, and their ey