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Library Department recommending the Board:
1) Approve and authorize acceptance of a donation grant for Broadband firewall technology and hardware donation from the California State Library through Califa, the administrative and fiscal agent for the Broadband Project, for the purpose of increasing broadband capacity at all six libraries, especially urgent due to the increased need of connectivity related to the Caldor Fire in the value of $318,692.99; and
2) Delegate authority to the Library Services Director to accept and sign a grant award, with no County match required, contingent upon County Counsel and Risk Management approval, and authorize the Library Services Director, or designee, to execute and administer any subsequent administrative documents relating the award, including required reports.
FUNDING: California State Library Broadband program.
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BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
During the Caldor Fire the libraries have been offering computer and internet services to evacuees and displaced schools for a place for students and teachers to continue the students' education. All County public libraries provide High-Speed Broadband internet access to all community members while they are visiting the libraries, however, our current broadband speeds/accessibility are throttled down from the full capacity available to us through the Cenic Network due to poor firewalls/equipment currently in place. In addition the Wi-Fi in the libraries doesn’t reach the parking lot and outside areas which limits access to when the library is open. The Library has been seeking funding to improve these connectivity issues for a while, but due to the increased community need from the Caldor Fire the California State Library has offered a prioritized donation of equipment for these needs. The grant of equipment from the California State Library Broadband program through Califa, a library nonprofit funded partially by the California State Library, will provide the following benefit to the County:
1) The installation of six firewalls (equipment and software) at all six libraries will increase internet speeds for community members utilizing the public internet provided at the libraries.
2) The equipment to expand Wi-Fi range to outdoor areas allowing students, community members and evacuees to remotely access library Broadband internet from their cars, promoting social distancing while supporting their educational and/or essential internet needs, especially during the Caldor Fire evacuations.
The Information Technologies Department has requested this equipment and has been involved with this project for the last year. IT will install and set up the equipment at all six libraries. The equipment is to be purchased by Califa and donated to the libraries.
ALTERNATIVES
The Board could deny the grant of donated equipment.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION
N/A
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
Information Technologies Department
CAO RECOMMENDATION
Approve as recommended.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
No impact to Net County Cost, there is no grant match required.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
N/A
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
Broadband/Technological Connectivity: Encourage and support through policy and resources the pursuit of local, state, and federal, private and public funding opportunities to support the County's infrastructure.
Good Governance: Approach large, complex and/or system-wide matters as one organization-Department will collaborate on projects and efforts that have cross-departmental impacts.
CONTACT
Carolyn Brooks
Director of Library Services