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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 ...
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